Dhaka, Feb. 21 -- Followers of the mystic poet Fakir Lalon Shah have sent an open letter to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, urging the government to ensure security and an uninterrupted celebration of Dol Purnima, one of the most important festivals observed at the Lalon shrine.

Lalon Academy's General Secretary Amjad Hossain sent the letter on Saturday on behalf of 13 cultural and spiritual organisations.

The letter notes that the festival, scheduled for Mar 3, is a tradition practised by Lalon himself and is celebrated by humanists worldwide, transcending religion, caste, and ethnicity.

Lalon devotees outlined eight specific demands to protect the interests of the Sadhus (saints) and the Lalon philosophy.

The demands include ensuring...