Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said there are well-hatched conspiracies to unleash communal conflicts in the country

Such evil designs, she said, could be effectively faced with united efforts of all.

“Sometimes various incidents take place in the country … It seems those are staged in a well-planned manner to unleash communal conflicts,” she said while exchanging greetings with members of the Hindu community on the occasion of Janmashtami at the Gono Bhaban.

Hasina said some incidents occurred in the country a few days ago and the government urged all to remain united against terrorism and militancy.

“Nobody wants terrorism, conflict and militancy, everyone wants peace. Now all are united for peace. This is our main strength.”

The prime minister mentioned that terrorism and militancy are not the problems of Bangladesh alone, as it is now a global menace. One Bangladeshi imam and his assistant were killed in the USA as they were coming out from a mosque after saying prayers, she added.

Talking about the overwhelming response her government received from the mass people for peace in the country, Hasina said all are very much aware now. She also urged the people of all religion to spread the message of peace.

“We all will be able to march forward staying united, enabling everyone to perform their religious rituals peacefully with dignity,” she said.

The premier said the people of all religion had sacrificed their blood for the country's independence.

Turning to terrorism and militancy, she said militants have no humanity. “They have no religious perception; they don't believe in any religion, they are just terrorists, killers and militants. Those who are militants and terrorists have no religion and state. They have nothing, militancy and terrorism is their only job.”

Reiterating her firm resolve not to allow militancy in the country, Hasina said her government would not tolerate any sort of militancy on this land.

She also assured the members of the Hindu community of taking steps to enact a succession law for them to facilitate their real heirs in getting their property.

To frame the law, Hindu community leaders need to reach a consensus first, she said, adding that the government would welcome if Hindu leaders submit a draft of the law to the government.

Pointing out the law enacted by her government for Hindus similar to the “heba law” of the Muslims, Hasina said her government has done this to facilitate handover of property of Hindus to their close relatives without any tax.

As the Hindu leaders sought it, she also assured them of giving tax rebate on importing statue of Radha Krishna from abroad.

Awami League Advisory Council Member Suranjit Sengupta, State Minister for Youth and Sports Biren Sikder, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Narayon Chandra Chanda addressed the programme.          

The principal of Ramakrishna Mission in Dhaka, chief of Hrishidham Ashram of Chittagong, leaders of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, Janmashtami Udjapan Parishad and Mohanagar Sarbojonin Puja Committee, among others, also spoke on the occasion.