Source: The Hindu
DHAKA, BANGLADESH, October 24, 2001: Several Hindu organizations in Bangladesh observed hunger-strikes across the country during the Durga Puja celebrations to protest against repression of religious minorities, demanding equal rights for religious minorities and strong government action to halt attacks on them. Puja festivities were subdued in capital Dhaka and other parts of the country amid reports of attacks on Hindu icons and extortion at many places. Several puja centers in the capital displayed black banners calling for rehabilitation of victims of attacks on minorities and restoration of the secular character of the country’s Constitution. The government issued a stern warning to perpetrators of such acts and tightened security around Puja “pandals,” temporary festival stages, following allegations that attacks against minorities had risen after the recent elections.