Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday alleged that fascist elements and their collaborators were behind the recent attempt to destabilise the Chittagong Hill Tracts over a rape allegation and to incite communal unrest by placing beards on the faces of Asurs in Durga Puja pandals.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the core committee on law and order at the Ministry of Home Affairs, the adviser said, “The fascists and their associates tried to create religious division, communal provocation and violence by putting beards on the faces of demons in several puja mandaps. Some fascist intellectuals also instigated the act.”

Referring to a recent incident in a neighbouring country, Jahangir said, “During the making of Durga idols there, our Chief Adviser was portrayed in a condemnable manner. The act of putting beards on the demons’ faces appears to be connected to that.”

The adviser said the conspirators’ attempt was foiled thanks to the active role of law enforcement agencies, strict surveillance by intelligence agencies, and cooperation from puja committees and the general public.

Like last year, this year’s Durga Puja was held across the country in a peaceful, safe and festive atmosphere,” he added.

He also said legal action will be taken against those involved in the incidents.

This year, attempts were made to destroy communal harmony by putting beards on demons’ faces in 793 puja mandaps across the country. The perpetrators are being identified, and general diaries (GDs) have been filed with police stations,” he said.

On the recent rape allegation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the adviser said, “The medical report found no evidence of rape in the incident that triggered so much commotion.”

He said the incident was handled properly with the cooperation of the army, other law enforcement agencies, and local people.

The blockade and Section 144 have already been withdrawn in the hill area,” he added.

Principal Adviser’s Special Assistant on Home Affairs Md Khoda Box Chowdhury, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Ghani, and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam were present at the briefing.