PM Sheikh Hasina assures better upkeep of Hindu temples in Bangladesh

By Basu Goush (PHP Bangla)
Thusday,May 20,2010

(Bangladeshi Hindus dressed in traditional attire participate in a colorful parade during the Bangla new year celebrations in Dhaka)

Bangladesh : Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has assured better upkeep of Hindu temples and a discussion on amending law pertaining to property belonging to religious minorities.

She announced Wednesday the decision to develop the Kantajir Mandir in Dinajpur in the northern region as well as renovation and restoration of the ancient Dhakeshwari temple and the Ramna Kali Mandir in the national capital.

She asked the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad leaders to provide a list of temples across the country.

'These are related with our pride and history. We have to salvage them,' The Daily Star quoted Hasina as saying.

With regard to the properties belonging to religious minorities, her government would hold dialogue before amending the Vested Property Act.

The law pertains to the property of Hindus who migrated to India after the 1947 partition following which the ownership of all property was vested in the government. Hindus constitute 9.2 percent of Bangladesh's population of 156.6 million population, as projected for 2010.