The Hefazat-e Islam Bangladesh has called for calm following the Cumilla temple incident and said that they have no programme on Friday.
In a statement, it also urged its supporters, Islam-loving people and Qawmi madrasa students not to take any decision at the instigation of anyone.
The call came from a meeting following the vandalism at Nanua Dighi in Cumilla.
On Wednesday, communal tensions flared in Cumilla over an alleged case of dishonouring the Quran amid Durga Puja. Crowds clashed with police and vandalised idols in the area.
Puja venues were also vandalised in Chandpur, Chattogram, Chapainawabganj and Moulvibazar and clashes resulted in casualties.
The government has deployed Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) at different districts across the country with an objective to keep law and order situation stable during the ongoing Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the people involved in vandalizing Hindu temples must face exemplary punishment, calling upon all to work in unison and remain vigilant to stop recurrence of such heinous acts.
"We have already taken proper measures (against ransacking of Hindu temples). Those who carry out such incidents will definitely be traced out as we did in the past. Exemplary punishment will be given to them irrespective of their religions so that none can dare to do so in future," she said.
The Hefazat leaders, following a meeting said, they are keeping a close eye on the situation. “If necessary, inshaAllah, a strict programme will be given in a united manner,” it said, saying that there would be no programme on Friday.
The meeting was presided over by Allama Ataullah Hafezi. Secretary General Allama Nurul Islam, Principal Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury, Maulana Muhibbul Haque Gachbari, Maulana Abdul Awal, Maulana Mohiuddin Rabbani, Maulana Abdul Qayyum Subhani, and Maulana Zahurul were also present.
Meanwhile, Ahle Sunnat Waljama’at Bangladesh, Khelafat Majlis, Bangladesh Tariqat Federation, and Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mohajot also condemned the incident.
