As Durga Puja approaches, tensions are escalating in Bangladesh due to reports of attacks and protests against the Hindu festival. With the celebration scheduled from October 9 to 13, concerns have emerged about the safety of the Hindu minority following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas recent ouster.Escalating violence against hindusAccording to reliable sources, local Muslims are pressuring Hindu business owners to vacate their shops, claiming that the country rightfully belongs to the majority community. In the wake of the new interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, Hindus have reportedly faced a lack of support and increased threats. “We have witnessed attacks on Hindu temples and shivlings, in direct violation of the United Nations Minorities Declaration,” stated one source.Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached out to Yunus regarding the violence, with the interim leader promising to take action. However, India is demanding a comprehensive investigation into these attacks against the Hindu community.Durga puja celebration will not be allowed this slogan rent the air in Dhaka, #Bangladesh ..This is the new Bangladesh...neo bongistan..#AllEyesOnBangladeshiHindus pic.twitter.com/Yrez6rg1Cw— Sourish Mukherjee (@me_sourish_) September 27, 2024Growing demonstrations against durga pujaRecent reports highlight that extremist groups are attempting to forcibly evict Hindu businessmen through intimidation. In Dhakas Beehive Market, tensions escalated as demonstrations erupted against the celebration of Durga Puja. In fact, several puja committees have received threatening letters, and a Durga Puja pandal in Kishore Ganj was destroyed by local Muslims.Incidents of violence have also targeted religious sites, such as the Narail Shiva temple, which was attacked by a group of ten youths. Additionally, Hindu students in Rangpur district are facing discrimination, as they are reportedly compelled to memorize Quranic verses and wear hijabs while lessons on the Hindu holy book, the Gita, have been halted.Authorities on high alert for Durga PujaIn response to these rising tensions, law enforcement agencies are implementing heightened security measures to ensure the peaceful celebration of Durga Puja. Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Mainul Hassan assured the public, “We are prepared with both uniformed and plainclothes officers to secure every puja mandap in Dhaka.”The police plan to monitor the festivities in three phases: pre-puja, during the festival, and the immersion of Durga idols. Community leaders have been urged to ensure effective operation of CCTV cameras and to appoint volunteers at puja sites to assist law enforcement.In a recent meeting, the interim governments Religious Affairs Adviser, AFM Khalid Hossain, emphasized that strict actions would be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt communal harmony during this vital Hindu festival. He reassured the Hindu community that their right to celebrate Durga Puja will be protected.
