Home Ministry is considering appointing a dedicated focal point to respond to incidents involving minority communities, while assuring enhanced security for the upcoming Durga Puja. The ministry said in a statement on Monday.

The proposal was raised by the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad delegation during talks with Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed at the secretariat.

The delegation requested that a designated official be appointed to immediately inform the Home Ministry of any untoward incidents affecting minority communities.

The minister assured the delegation that the government would consider the proposal “with great empathy” and move to implement it promptly.

Salahuddin said the government was committed to protecting the rights and security of all religious communities and would take strict legal action against any attempt to disrupt communal harmony.

“The government is giving topmost priority to protecting the security and interests of the minority communities,” he said, adding that “it is imperative for all communities to play a responsible role.”

The minister also said law enforcement agencies would take all necessary measures to ensure a peaceful celebration of Durga Puja across the country.

The meeting was attended by Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad President Basudeb Dhar, General Secretary Santosh Sharma and Bijon Kanti Sarkar, special assistant to the prime minister on Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and ethnic minority affairs.