Patrons of Rangpur, Noakhali violence are identified: Home Minister

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal today said that the patrons of communal violence in Rangpur and Noakhali have been identified.

"The patrons' names will be published soon as the arrestees disclose the names to the law enforcers," he told reporters at a dialogue organised by Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) at the media center in the secretariat.

The minister said that the violence was carried out to destabilise the country in a well-planned way. "The persons arrested over the incidents gave confessional statements under the section 164. The names of the people who carried out the attacks will be published soon," he said.

Kamal, also a veteran freedom fighter, said that the names of the patrons will be made public after cent percent confirmation.

Responding to a question from reporters, the minister said, "I cannot say right now whether the BNP-Jamaat are involve or not with the incident. We want to let you know after being sure." 

He said some 10 cases have been filed over the violence at Puja mandaps in Cumilla and 18 people have been arrested so far. 

Kamal said that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had dreamt of a non-communal Bangladesh. Citing Bangabandhu's speech - "This country is for everyone. There will be no discrimination over religions. It will be a secular country" - he said, "We continue to hold this ideal."

BSRF president Tapan Biswas presided over the dialogue, while general secretary Mashudul Haque moderated it. Among others, joint secretary Mehedy Azad Masum, organizing secretary Akter Hossain, finance secretary Md Shafiullah Sumon, office secretary Md Moskayet Mashrek, training and research secretary Towhidul Islam, executive members Ismail Hossain Russel, Shahjahan Molla, Hasif Mahmood Shah, Shahadat Hossain Rakib, Bellal Hossain and Rubayet hasan were present.