Urges Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad
This June 11 photo shows Ariful Haque Chowdhury, 18-party nominated mayoral candidate for Sylhet City Corporation, seeks vote in railway station area in the city. Ariful became Sylhet mayor.
The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad Tuesday urged the election office to take steps to stop the use of religion in politics ahead of the general election.
The Parishad leaders also sought cooperation from the government and political parties including main opposition BNP in this regard.
The demand came at a press briefing of the Parishad held at Dhaka Reporters Unity in the capital.
Religion was randomly used in the electioneering of the recently held five city corporation polls, said Rana Dasgupta, general secretary of the Parishad.
“The minorities across the country are very much concerned over the matter,” he said.
Citing attacks on minorities after 2001 elections, Rana urged the EC, government and political parties to take steps to prevent post-election communal attacks.
He also urged them to ensure the safety of the minorities so that they could cast vote without any intimidation.
The parishad also demanded implementation of the recommendations submitted by a commission formed earlier for judicial inquiry into the post-polls violence in 2001.
The leaders also demanded a separate ministry to oversea the issues of the minorities.
Source: The Daily Star
