The Ministry of Religious Affairs has requested information on attacks on religious institutions, Bengali-language daily Pratham Alo said on Tuesday.

Dhaka: In a major step towards controlling violence against Hindu and other minority communities in Bangladesh, the new interim government has set up a hotline asking people to report attacks on Hindu temples, churches or any other religious institutions.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has requested information on attacks on religious institutions, Bengali-language daily Pratham Alo said on Tuesday.

“If a temple, church, pagoda or any other religious institution is attacked or attacked by attackers, it is requested to report it by calling the mobile number 01766-843809 or by sending a short message.” Ministry issued on Monday.

Interim Government Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hussain has condemned the recent attacks on religious institutions of minorities.

In a press conference at the Secretariat on Monday, Khalid confirmed that there had been complaints of attacks on minority houses and religious places. He promised continued support to these communities. Hussain announced that the Deputy Commissioner was preparing a list of damages.

Muhammad Yunus reaches out to the suffering Hindus

On Tuesday, the interim government's chief adviser Muhammad Yunus reached out to members of the aggrieved Hindu community and assured them that his government would punish those responsible for the attacks on the minority.

Yunus, 84, who took over as chief adviser on Thursday, visited Dhakeshwari National Temple where he urged people to “be patient” before judging their government.

“Rights are equal for all. We are all people with rights. Don't discriminate between us. Please help us. Be patient and decide later – what we can do and what we can't. Criticize us if we fail,” Yunus said.

He exchanged greetings with leaders of Bangladesh Pooja Udjapan Parishad and Mahanagar Sarvajanin Pooja Samiti as well as temple management board officials and devotees.

“We congratulate Dr Yunus on his assumption of office. We had an amicable meeting with them,” said Pujaujpan Parishad president Basudev Dhar when asked about the meeting with the chief advisers.

According to Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Ekta Parishad and Bangladesh Puja Ujapan, two Hindu organisations, members of Bangladesh's minority communities have faced at least 205 incidents of attacks in 52 districts since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on 5 August. Council – in the country.

(with input from agencies)