Religious Affairs Advisor AFM Khalid Hossain has stated that, following the fall of the Awami League government, Muslim homes have been targeted more frequently than Hindu homes.

Addressing recent acts of vandalism and looting at religious sites, Khalid emphasized that such actions are unacceptable and should be condemned. He made these remarks during a discussion at the Islamic Foundation premises in Rajshahi on Saturday.

The discussion aimed to foster communal harmony and tackle social issues such as terrorism, corruption, drug abuse, and violence against women. It featured religious scholars as well as leaders from Hindu and Christian communities.

Advisor Khalid rejected the idea that attacks on Hindu homes were part of a communal agenda, characterizing them as isolated incidents. He noted that the majority of the violence has impacted Muslim properties, including mosques.

Before the meeting, Khalid spoke with journalists about the attacks on religious minority properties following the change in power.

Responding to a query, he remarked, “Although there have been reports from foreign media about attacks on homes and places of worship of Hindu and Buddhist communities after the Anti-discrimination Student movement victory, these incidents were sporadic and not widespread.”

“The attacks were driven by political motives rather than communal tensions,” he added.

Regarding reports of plans to build a mosque on land adjacent to the Kantajew Temple in Dinajpur, the advisor suggested: “There is government land nearby; the mosque expansion can proceed on that leased land, while the temple property should remain with the temple.”

Khalid emphasized that communal harmony is a longstanding tradition in Bangladesh and will continue to be upheld.

“I am not only an advisor to Muslims but also to Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. They all have equal rights, and we will always support them,” he concluded.

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