Leaders of Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mohajote, an alliance of Hindu religious organizations, submitted a seven-point demand to Election Commission (EC) on Thursday, calling for comprehensive security for minority communities and strict measures to prevent the use of religion in election campaigns ahead of the parliamentary elections.
Palash Kanti Dey, executive secretary of Hindu Mohajote, said the delegation met with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban, where their concerns were discussed cordially.
Dey noted that the CEC assured them of “100 percent security” for minority voters during the polls and emphasized that everyone should be able to go to polling stations safely.
The delegation highlighted fears of potential attacks on temples and minority households during the elections, especially citing historical incidents around Durga Puja and past polls.
The CEC assured that strict action would be taken against any attempt to intimidate voters or damage property.
The seven-point demand submitted by Hindu Mohajote includes tightening security for 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, stopping the use of religion in electioneering and forming a central monitoring cell to ensure safety for minority and female voters.
Other demands include suspending voting in constituencies where attacks occur, conducting investigations and taking action, deploying the army during the elections and ensuring smooth access to and from polling stations.
Dey stressed that while the Hindu community has faced challenges during past elections, the assurances from EC provide hope for a safe and fair voting process.
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