Investigations underway into 'bearded Asur' incidents: Home adviser

Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the core committee on law and order at the Secretariat, he said fascist accomplices were behind conspiracies to destabilise the Chittagong Hill Tracts and destroy communal harmony during Durga Puja. "Fascist accomplices are fueling the conspiracy to create unrest in the Chittagong Hill Tracts by spreading rape allegations, and to disrupt communal harmony by placing a beard on the face of the Asur [demon] in Durga Puja mandaps. The conspiracy has become evident," he said. "The recent incident of our chief adviser being portrayed in an objectionable manner in a Durga Puja idol in a neighbouring country appears to have connections to this," he added. Referring to the incident in Khagrachhari, Jahangir Alam said no evidence of rape was found in the medical report involving the teenage girl that led to violent protests and unrest. "With the cooperation of the local people, we were able to manage the situation fairly and effectively," he added. The adviser said that with the active role of law enforcement agencies, intelligence surveillance, and the cooperation of all parties, including the Puja Mandap Committee, the authorities had successfully thwarted attempts to disrupt peace and communal harmony.