Govt directs swift action against provocative activities around Chandranath Hill

The interim government today directed authorities to take swift and decisive action against any signs of provocative activities centering Chandranath Hill in Chattogram.

The instruction came from Adviser for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Road Transport and Bridges and Railways ministries Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder, and Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain after a meeting with leaders of the Chandranath Dham (Kanchannath-Chandranath-Adinath) Shrine Committee at the Railways Ministry this morning.

According to a press release from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, shrine committee leaders reported that provocative activities have been recurring around Chandranath Temple for the past five years, threatening the atmosphere of communal harmony.

In response, the three advisers instructed field administrations, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies to stay alert and act immediately to prevent such incidents.

Shrine Committee President Apurba Kumar Bhattacharya also highlighted the poor condition of the stairs leading to the hilltop temple, warning of possible accidents. Following this, Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan phoned Local Government Division Secretary Rezaul Maksud Jahedi and asked him to take urgent steps for repair.

At the meeting, Adviser Professor Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder stressed that the interim government is committed to building a society free from discrimination based on religion, caste, or class.

Adviser Khalid Hossain said those who target places of worship of other faiths cannot be called devout, but criminals. “Any attempt to undermine religious harmony will be dealt with firmly,” he warned, urging the Hindu community to submit their demands to the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust for due action.

Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan emphasized the historic and cultural significance of Chandranath Temple, reaffirming: “No provocative acts that threaten communal harmony will be tolerated. Strict action will be taken at the first sign of such activities.”