A letter from the Bangladesh President's office to various ministries and departments requesting details of Hindu officials holding posts such as secretaries and joint secretaries stirred panic among Hindus. Though sources said a clerical error had caused the confusion and the information was sought regarding an annual Durga Puja Dashami event hosted by the President.

The letter ignited alarm amidst ongoing concerns about religious profiling and targeting of minority communities, particularly in the wake of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ouster following extensive student protests. The upheaval resulted in over 500 deaths during weeks of violence, alongside significant vandalism of Hindu temples.

The Ministry of Textile and Jute also issued a similar request for the names of Hindu officers in senior positions. Sources have clarified that this was a routine procedure to update the list of Hindu officers for the annual Durga Puja event hosted by the President of Bangladesh. This annual update accounts for promotions, transfers, and retirements. However, when ministries forwarded the request to their departments, they failed to include the specific purpose, which contributed to widespread confusion and concern.

Hossain informed, "It was a routine exercise to update the list and forward it to the president's office for the purpose of sending an invitation to the Hindu officers from the government for Durga Puja Dashmi which is hosted by the president every year."

"The letter originally sent by the President was a reference letter which does mention an invitation to Durga Puja, whereas forwarding the same in a different communication letter to the ministry the officer missed mentioning the purpose for which the officer will be reprimanded," he added.

He stated that the government has implemented corrective measures to prevent any further misunderstandings.

Image source: Prabhasakshi