Awami League General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam today said there is no place for the perpetrators, who attack on religious minorities, in Bangladesh.

"I was very shocked hearing that houses and businesses of Hindus had been attacked and grabbed in some areas. We cannot allow such things in an independent country," he said.

Ashraf, also the public administration minister, said this while inaugurating a procession of Hindus at Palashi intersection in Dhaka on the occasion of Janmashtami, a Hindu religious festival to mark the birth of Lord Krishna.

Saying that Bangladesh is a country for people of all religions – Muslim, Hindu, Christian and all citizens, Ashraf added: “Our prime minister has specifically given directives that those involved in such activities will not be spared."

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Sayeed Khokon and over a dozen Hindu community leaders, among others, spoke at the inauguration ceremony of traditional Janmashtami procession that ended at Bahadur Shah Park.

According to the Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna, the incarnation of God, descended to this world some 5,500 years ago on the 8th lunar day of dark fortnight in the Bangla month of Bhadra to establish love, truth and justice and to safeguard the good and pious people from the hands of evils.

Devotees observe the day fasting and praying for purification of their souls.

Thousands of people, dancing and singing hymns and religious songs, joined the Janmashtami procession.

Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and Dhaka Mahanagar Sarbojanin Puja Committee jointly organised the function.

Similar colourful processions displaying the life events of Krishna were brought out in different other cities.