Amid growing concerns over potential unrest during the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations, Bangladeshs interim government has issued a stern warning to those seeking to disrupt communal harmony or target places of worship. Durga Puja, a major Hindu festival, is set to be observed from October 9 to 13, and authorities have pledged to take stringent measures to ensure peace and security.Government AssurancesReligious Affairs Advisor Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain, while visiting the Prematli Gaurang Bari Kalimandir in Rajshahis Godagari district, emphasised the governments commitment to protecting the festival. If anyone disrupts or harasses people at worship halls, we will not spare them. We will bring them under the law and ensure peace, Hossain asserted. He urged the Hindu community to celebrate with enthusiasm and assured them that the government would not tolerate any harm to their temples.Hossain further reassured the community that local volunteers, including madrasa students, have been engaged to safeguard temples, and law enforcement is actively preparing to secure puja mandaps across the country. If you fear attacks on your temples, be assured no criminals will succeed, Hossain said, underscoring the governments focus on creating a discrimination-free Bangladesh.Recent Tensions and VandalismFollowing the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and unprecedented protests, Bangladeshs minority Hindu community has been subject to violence, including vandalism of businesses and temples. During a meeting at Rajshahi Circuit House, Hossain warned of potential attempts to disrupt communal harmony ahead of Durga Puja, calling for collective resistance.Hindu Communitys ConcernsIn August, thousands of Hindus staged protests in Dhaka and Chattogram, demanding protection from rising threats. The Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance reported attacks in 278 locations across 48 districts since the fall of Hasinas government. The Hindu population, once 22% at the time of the 1971 Liberation War, has dwindled to 8% of Bangladeshs 170 million people.
