Leaders of the Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mohajote, an alliance of Hindu religious organisations, on Thursday submitted a seven-point demand to the Election Commission.
They urged the commission to ensure full security for minority communities and prevent the use of religion in election campaigns ahead of the parliamentary elections.
鈥榃e raised our seven demands, including ensuring 100 per cent security for the minority community during the polls,鈥� said Hindu Mahajote executive secretary Palash Kanti Dey while talking to reporters after a meeting with chief election commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city.
He said that the CEC discussed their concerns cordially. 鈥楬e, CEC, has assured that 100 percent security will be ensured. He told us that you, everyone, should go to polling stations. We also assured him that we want to exercise our civic rights.鈥�
Palash said that they drew the CEC鈥檚 attention to possible incidents of attacks on temples and houses of minorities during the election and asked him such incidents must not happen this time. 鈥楾he CEC assured us that no one will be able to torture you this time. They鈥檒l take strict measures against any such attempt.鈥�
Expressing deep concern over possible unrest, Palash said, 鈥極ur fears are not unfounded. We remain worried mainly during two times鈥擠urga Puja and elections. Elections have never been a comfortable time for the Hindu community. Attacks on minorities before and after local government and parliamentary polls, during every regime, have become a regular occurrence. But the Commission said offenders will not be spared this time.鈥�
He said that the CEC assured them that members of the minority community will go to polling stations and return homes safely.
鈥業f any deviation occurs, the EC will take strong action. Law enforcement will act decisively if anyone tries to intimidate minority voters or attack their establishments,鈥� Palash said quoting the CEC as saying.
The seven demands placed by the Hindu community leaders includ tightening security for the residences, temples, and Moths of minority communities from 10 days before to 10 days after the election; preventing political campaigns and rallies at religious establishments; checking the use of religion in election campaign; and formation of a central monitoring cell to ensure the safety of minority and female voters.
Their other demands are to suspend the voting in the constituencies where attack will occur, followed by investigation and action; deployment of army during the election; and ensuring an environment for smooth movement for voters to and from polling stations.
