Govt for swift action on Chandranath hill tensions
Staff Reporter :
The interim government on Wednesday directed the authorities concerned to act without delay whenever signs of provocative activities emerge centering Chandranath Hill in Chattogram.
Adviser for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Road Transport and Bridges and Railways ministries Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder, and Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain gave the instructions after holding a meeting with leaders of the Chandranath Dham (Kanchannath-Chandranath-Adinath) Shrine Committee at the Railways Ministry.
According to a press release from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, Shrine Committee leaders informed the meeting that various provocative incidents have been taking place centering Chandranath Temple for the past five years. They warned that certain groups are trying to undermine the atmosphere of communal harmony there.
In response, the three advisers ordered field administrations, law enforcement agencies, and intelligence bodies to stay alert and take immediate measures against any such attempts.
Highlighting the urgent need for repairing the stairs to the hilltop temple, Shrine Committee President Apurba Kumar Bhattacharya said, “The stairs are in poor condition and pose serious risks of accidents.”
Following this, Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan phoned Local Government Division (LGD) Secretary Rezaul Maksud Jahedi directly and instructed him to take steps for necessary repairs.
At the meeting, Adviser Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder said, “The interim government is committed to building a society free from discrimination regardless of religion, caste, or class.”
Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. Khalid Hossain remarked that those who attack others’ places of worship cannot be regarded as devout-such acts are crimes. “Any attempt to disturb religious harmony will be dealt with firmly,” he warned.
He also urged members of the Hindu community to submit their legitimate demands to the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust under his ministry, assuring that appropriate action will be taken.
Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan emphasized that the Chandranath Temple is closely tied to the nation’s history and cultural heritage. “No provocative activity that threatens our communal harmony will be allowed. Clear instructions have been given for strict action the moment such attempts surface,” he affirmed.