Dhaka, Oct. 14 -- The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC), in a statement, has described the arrangements for Sharadiya Durga Puja celebrations across the country under tight security provided by police, drones and political party leaders and activists as "saddening and unfortunate."

The Council said that such circumstances are increasingly curtailing the religious freedom of minority worshippers while severely undermining Bangladesh's image in the international community, an outcome that is in no way desirable.

In a statement issued ahead of Sharadiya Durga Puja, the Council observed that the closer the festival draws, the more intensified the nefarious activities of communal extremists become.

The statement sta...