Dhaka: General Secretary of Awami League and Minister for Public Administration Syed Ashraful Islam on Saturday said that those who were engaged in plunder of property of Hindu people would not be spared.

He said, ‘Today I have been particularly hurt knowing that Hindu houses had been attacked in a number of places in Bangladesh. Their businesses have been taken over. This we cannot allow in a free Bangladesh. The prime minister has instructed that those involved in such activities should be taken to task.’

Syed Ashraf was speaking at Palashi crossing where he inaugurated the Holy Procession to commemorate the Janmashtami of Lord Krishna.

President of Metropolitan Puja Committee J L Bhowmik chaired the meeting.

Among others, Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation Sayeed Khokon, local MP Haji Md Selim, Awami League Deputy Publicity and Publications Secretary Ashim Kumar Ukil, Bangladesh Puja Celebration Committee President Kajol Devnath, General Secretary Joyanta Kumar Dev and advisor Dr Neem Chandra Bhowmik spoke at the function.

Today was the first day of the two-day festivities. On the occasion of Janmashtami, Srimad Bhagavad Gita was recited for the welfare of the country and nation. The recitation was led by Shankar Math in Sitakunda and other saints of the Mission.

The Procession started with over a hundred drums, decorated elephant-driven chariots, national and organizational flag bearing horses and over three hundred decorated vehicles. The rally went through Dhaka University, Gulistan and ended at Bahadur Shah Park.

Earlier, the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation lit the lamps of Blessings to inaugurate the function.