Bangladesh (Commonwealth Union)_ The upcoming Durga Puja festival has sparked another dilemma in Bangladesh. As the nation prepares for the annual celebration of the Durga Puja, its Hindu community is facing an alarming situation. Accordingly, in recent weeks, various Hindu temples have received anonymous threats demanding substantial amounts of money to permit the festivities. These developments not only raise concerns about religious freedom but also highlight the growing violence faced by minority communities in the nation, especially following the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government in August.
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Additionally, reports indicate that several Durga Puja celebration committees have received letters demanding 5 lakh Taka (approximately USD 4,200) for the right to celebrate the festival. Failure to comply with these demands has been met with chilling threats, including violent repercussions. “They will be chopped into pieces,” warned one of the letters, instilling fear within the community. In response to these threats, many Hindu leaders initially expressed a desire to cancel this year’s celebrations. However, after a community meeting, the decision was made to proceed with the puja, albeit under considerable distress.
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Shekhar Chandra Goldar, president of the Kamarkhola Sarvajanin Durga Puja Celebration Committee in Dakop, voiced a dark reality, saying, “Our members are no longer interested. This year we have to stop the puja.” This statement underscores the impact of fear and intimidation on communal participation. In addition to these escalating tensions, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has also urged the Hindu community to refrain from playing musical instruments during prayer times, specifically five minutes before namaz and azan. This directive aims to maintain communal harmony but has also sparked criticism regarding its implications for religious expression.
Furthermore, Mahendra Nath, General Secretary of the Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, reported that over 25 temples in Dacope town of Khulna city had received the extortion threats. Although the affected temples have lodged complaints with local police, there remains a widespread lack of confidence in law enforcement’s ability to provide adequate protection. However, police have promised increased security measures around puja venues, ensuring that the community can celebrate without fear. As Durga Puja approaches, scheduled from October 9th to the 13th, there are indications that the number of puja mandaps, temporary structures erected for the celebrations, will surpass last year’s total of 33,431. This increase reflects a resilient spirit among the Hindu community, despite the threats they face.
The current climate for Hindus in Bangladesh is precarious. Once constituting 22% of the population during the 1971 Liberation War, Hindus now make up approximately 8% of the country’s 170 million residents. Many within the community fear that political upheaval and rising Islamist extremism may further marginalize them. Historical incidents of violence against Hindus, particularly during political turmoil, have left a lasting impact on their collective psyche. The most recent unrest followed the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August, leading to widespread vandalism and destruction of minority community’s businesses and temples.
In light of these events, the police have assured heightened security at all puja mandaps across the nation. Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Mainul Hassan stated, “We have already started taking measures to ensure the security of the puja mandaps.” These assurances come as the community prepares to celebrate their most significant religious festival amidst a backdrop of fear and uncertainty. Furthermore, the government has warned of strict actions against those attempting to disrupt communal harmony during the festivities. Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury emphasized the importance of celebrating Durga Puja with enthusiasm and religious fervor while also urging respect for the local Muslim communites practices.
As Bangladesh moves forward with its Durga Puja celebrations, the Hindu community stands at a crossroads. While they seek to maintain their traditions and cultural heritage, they must navigate the complexities of living as a minority in a country where their safety often feels compromised. The Durga Puja festival, a symbol of triumph over adversity, will undoubtedly reflect the resilience and determination of the Hindu community in Bangladesh to celebrate their faith despite the threats that loom over them. As the dates draw nearer, the nation watches closely, hoping for a peaceful celebration that honors both the spirit of Durga Puja and the right to religious freedom in Bangladesh.
