India (Commonwealth Union)_ India has urged Bangladesh to address concerns over the safety of religious minorities ahead of Durga Puja, the biggest festival of the country’s Hindu community. Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has also called attention to the security of Hindus, expressing concern over reports of attacks on minority communities since her government was removed from power in August 2024. Speaking at a media briefing in New Delhi, Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India expects the Bangladesh government to respond to security concerns reportedly raised by minority organisations ahead of the festival.
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The issue has drawn attention as Hindu communities prepare for five days of prayers, rituals and celebrations across Bangladesh. According to the Bangladesh Puja Celebration Committee, 33,851 Durga Puja celebrations are planned nationwide this year, compared with 32,351 in 2025. In her message marking Sharadiya Durgotsav, Hasina expressed concern about what she described as a growing sense of insecurity among religious and ethnic minorities. She alleged that incidents involving attacks on temples and homes, damage to idols, property seizures, extortion and violence against women had continued since August 5, 2024.
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Hasina also called for communal harmony, saying Bangladesh’s founding principles supported equal rights, dignity and security for people of every faith. She highlighted the Awami League’s previous pledges to establish a National Minority Commission and introduce a Minority Protection Act. Concerns have also been raised by the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council. The organisation has criticised the need for extensive security arrangements at this year’s celebrations, including police deployment and the use of drones. It said such measures reflected an unfortunate situation for religious minorities and could affect religious freedom and Bangladesh’s international reputation.
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Despite these concerns, preparations for Durga Puja are continuing across the country. Celebrations begin with Maha Shashthi, when devotees welcome Goddess Durga through traditional ceremonies and prayers. Dhaka is expected to host around 258 celebrations this year, slightly fewer than the 261 reported in 2025. The figures cover both community venues and worship at individual homes. Santosh Sharma, general secretary of the Bangladesh Puja Celebration Committee, said preparations were progressing with enthusiasm.
The government has also extended the general holiday by one day, allowing many people to spend more time with their families. The extended break is expected to encourage residents of major cities to travel to their hometowns and villages. India’s concerns come as Bangladesh prepares for one of its most important religious festivals. While celebrations continue, the safety of Hindu worshippers remains a key issue for minority groups and political leaders. The festival will test the authorities’ ability to ensure that communities can observe their religious traditions peacefully and without fear.
