AL govt tough with attacks on religious minorities, says Quader

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said that the government has taken a tough line with attacks on religious minorities including the Hindus.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the Swami Vivekananda Bhaban at the Ramakrishna Mission premises in Dhaka on Wednesday. Indian High Commissioner Harsh Vardhan Shringla was also present at the function.

The building has been constructed with the financial support from India.

"Look at Nasirnagar; the trial is about to start. The government has taken a firm stance. Even if the AL people are involved (in the attack), they can't get away with it," the road transports and bridges minister said referring to the attack on Hindus in Brahmanbarhia.

A police investigation revealed the involvement of local AL leaders and supporters in last year's attack on the Hindus. The attackers have been charged.

Similar attacks were reported from Thakurgaon recently.

Quader said a 'syndicate' was carrying out the attacks to 'grab Hindu properties.'

"I went to Thakurgaon to see for myself how the attacks were carried out on poor Hindu families. The attackers should not be spared whichever party they belong to," the AL leader said.

"Don't forget the faces with masks becoming friendly ahead of general elections. They were the perpetrators in 2001, and they might create similar problems during next elections," the minister added.

He urged the audience to keep their trust in Awami League, saying "we may make mistakes, but we dare to admit and rectify them."

Quader said the attacks were also aimed at upsetting the good relations with the India.

Indian High Commissioner Shringla pointed out the improved trade ties between the two nations.

He said that in last five years, the Indian government had completed 24 different projects in Bangladesh.

The envoy also said in 2018, a total of 65 projects would be completed at a cost of Tk 11 billion.