No terror in the name of religion

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said her government will not allow any terrorist activities in the name of religion.

“Our government has always taken stern action against terrorism and militancy and would continue to curb the twin demons with an iron hand.... There would be no place of terrorism and militancy on Bangladesh's soil,” she told Hindu devotees in the city's Dhakeshwari National Temple.

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The programme was organised on the occasion of the Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Hindus.

Hasina said Islam is a religion of peace, harmony and brotherhood and there is no room for terrorism and militancy in it. “Those who commit such crimes are in fact working against the religion.”

The government wants to create such an atmosphere where people of all faiths would perform their religious rituals freely, she added.

Hasina said her government does not want conflicts, rather it wants peace, prosperity and development.

About the essence of all religions, she said welfare of human beings is the main theme of all religions. Everyone will perform religious rituals with honour and will show respect to others, the PM added.

During the Liberation War, people from all religions had made their supreme sacrifice, she said. “We want people to live in peace, we want the triumph of humanity ... that's our desire.”

Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sayeed Khokon, General Secretary of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad Taposh Kumar Paul, President of Mohanagar Sarbojonin Puja Committee DM Chatterjee and General Secretary Shyamal Kumar Paul spoke on the occasion.

PM's Political Affairs Adviser HT Imam and local parliament member Haji Mohammad Selim were present.

The premier later visited Ramakrishna Mission Temple and Math on Ramakrishna Mission Road and exchanged greetings with devotees.