Nationwide outrage over Home Affairs Advisor’s hateful remarks: Attack on secular spirit

Staff Correspondent

Bangladesh’s constitution and the promise of the Liberation War clearly declare the formation of a secular state. A statement by the Home Affairs Advisor has questioned that commitment. His comments have belittled Hinduism and derogatorily referred to worship and rituals as “alcohol and marijuana parties.”

Analysts and the general public alike view such statements as hateful, disrespectful, and an attempt to spread communal hatred.

According to them, worship is a festival of devotion, prayer, joy and unity; to insult it is to insult the culture and tradition of the entire nation. On the one hand, the government is patronizing extremists, on the other hand, it is degrading the minority community.

They believe that such comments from the state level indicate division, communal conflict, and religious divisions.

Bangladesh is built on the traditions of all communities, including Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians. The spirit of the Liberation War was built on the basis of communal harmony. But the message of religious hatred coming from the highest levels of the government is worrying and condemnable.

Such a statement by a responsible person of the state is not only an incompetence of the government, but also an attack on the fundamental unity of the nation. As always, the people of Bangladesh will reject communal hatred and remain united in defending the spirit of the Liberation War.

Incidentally, mentioning that alcohol and marijuana parties cannot be held during Durga Puja, Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury claimed that alcohol and marijuana parties are held at fairs held nearby on the occasion of the puja. These fairs will not be held this time. Alcohol and marijuana parties cannot be held.

His comments are being strongly criticized across the country for being a mockery of Durga Puja and the spirit and celebration of Hindu festivals.