In a move to promote harmony, Bangladeshs new interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has requested the Hindu community to temporarily halt musical activities associated with Durga Puja celebrations during namaz and azan. This directive aims to minimize disruptions during these significant Islamic practices.On Tuesday, Lieutenant General (retired) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Bangladeshs Home Affairs Adviser, announced that puja committees should turn off sound systems and cease playing musical instruments during the call to prayer (azan) and prayer times (namaz). According to Chowdhury, the puja organisers have agreed to this request, underscoring a cooperative spirit in maintaining public order.Chowdhury addressed the media following a review of law and order preparations for Durga Puja at the Dhaka Secretariat. He noted that this year, a total of 32,666 puja pandals will be established across the country, a slight decrease from last years 33,431.The directive comes in the wake of recent violence against the Hindu community in Bangladesh, which erupted after student protests concerning quotas for the descendants of Bangladeshs freedom fighters and the subsequent removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. These incidents have raised concerns about the safety of religious minorities, particularly Hindus.As quoted by India Today, regarding recent attacks on religious sites, including one at Shah Porans shrine, Lt General Chowdhury stated, I dont know anything about the attack on the Shah Poran shrine. However, it is my responsibility to ensure security so that no attack is launched. Law enforcers have been given directives in this regard.Chowdhury assured that security measures would be in place for Puja organisers, starting from the idol-making stage. We have discussed how to ensure round-the-clock security at the puja mandaps. Measures will be taken to facilitate the celebration of puja without any hindrance and to prevent the evil activities of miscreants, he added.Apart from this in a related development, Yunuss caretaker government has recently banned the export of hilsa to India, creating a shortage of Bangladeshi ilish (hilsa) ahead of Durga Puja and causing a surge in prices. This move deviates from the tradition of sending large consignments of Padma ilish to India during the festive season, a practice previously maintained by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
