The Ministry of Religious Affairs has directed deputy commissioners (DCs) to take necessary measures to maintain peace and order at shrines across the country.
This directive was issued in a letter of the ministry on Sunday, according to a press release.
The ministry expressed concern over recent attacks on shrines in different parts of the country, adding that these acts by miscreants aim to disrupt law and order, which is both ‘worrisome and undesirable’.
It emphasised that shrines have long been places of devotion and pilgrimage for their followers.
The DCs have been instructed to ensure the safety and peaceful movement of devotees at these religious sites.
If there is any threat of an attack on shrines in any district, the ministry has ordered immediate action and requested to be informed without delay.
This directive follows reports of planned attacks on shrines, allegedly aimed at destabilizing the country and embarrassing the interim government.
Earlier on Saturday, the Office of the Chief Adviser issued a statement, expressing concern and condemnation over the attacks on shrines, calling for the identification and exemplary punishment of those responsible.
The statement mentioned that attacks on shrines have been occurring for several days, though the police headquarters could not confirm whether anyone had been arrested in connection with the incidents.
On the night of September 5, Dewanbagh Darbar Sharif in Narayanganj was attacked and set on fire. Since then, more shrines across the country have been targeted. In some shrines, even playing music has been stopped.
