Growing Hostilities: Bangladesh Hindus Fear for Safety as Islamists Oppose Durga Puja.

No Idol Immersion, No Holidays: Radical Islamists Issue 16-Point Demand to Ban Durga Puja Celebrations in Bangladesh.

An Islamist outfit called ‘Insaf Keemkari Chhatra-Janta’ staged a protest in Dhaka, holding placards in Bangla that read: “no worship everywhere by closing roads, no pollution to water by idol immersion, no idol worship”.

Moni Basak  | HENB | Kolkata | Sept 28, 2024::Tensions are running high in Bangladesh as the Hindu community prepares to celebrate Durga Puja, one of their most significant festivals. Radical Islamic groups are vehemently opposing the open celebration of the festival and nationwide holidays during this period.

Recently, extremist groups took to the streets of Dhaka’s Sector 13, protesting the use of a playground by Hindus for their Durga Puja celebrations – a tradition that’s been ongoing for years. The protesters carried placards with slogans that read, “No worship anywhere by closing roads, no pollution to water by idol immersion, no worship to idols.

The extremist group, Insaf Keemkari Chhatra-Janta, presented a 16-point list of demands, citing environmental damage as a reason to stop Durga Puja celebrations. Their demands include:

– Preventing Government Funding: No use of government relief funds for festival expenses

– Removing National Holiday: Removal of Durga Puja Day from the list of national holidays, as Hindus make up less than 2% of the population

– Eliminating Road Closures: No road closures during festivities

– Removing Temples: Removal of temples built on occupied lands in Bangladesh

– Pollution control: No pollution to water by idol immersion, no worship to idols

– Ban on anti-Sharia activities: Ban on liquor and No Idol worship

– Restriction on Trade with India: Stop export of Hilsa fish from Bangladesh to West Bengal during Durga puja session

“Since India is the national enemy of Bangladesh, the Hindu citizens of Bangladesh must also agree to be anti-India. For this reason, anti-India banners and anti-India slogans should be kept in temples,” another demand reads.

These demands have created a sense of unease among the Hindu community, who feel their rights and traditions are being threatened. The situation remains volatile, with concerns about potential violence and disruptions to the festival celebrations.

Insaf Keemkari Chhatra-Janta, a radical group in Bangladesh, is making some concerning demands regarding the Hindu festival of Durga Puja. They claim that since Hindus make up less than 2% of the population, Durga Puja shouldn’t be a public holiday, as it allegedly disrupts the lives of the Muslim majority. Actually, the minority Hindus in Bangladesh still form a sizable 7.5% population  coming down from 23% as remained in the country before Bangladesh liberation war in 1971.

The situation in Bangladesh is indeed alarming, especially with the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations. Radical groups are demanding that Hindu temples display anti-India banners and slogans, further fueling tensions. This comes after a surge in attacks on Hindus following the fall of the previous Sheikh Hasina-led government.

The Hindu community is facing increased violence, with over 2,000 incidents reported between August 4 and 20, including attacks on temples, homes, and businesses. The violence has resulted in nine deaths and widespread destruction, particularly in the Khulna Division, where 295 homes and businesses were destroyed.

The situation in Bangladesh remains tense despite assurances from Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the interim government. The Hindu community is facing threats and intimidation ahead of the Durga Puja festival. Reports indicate that Durga Puja celebration committees have received letters demanding approximately $4,200 (5 lakh Taka) for the right to celebrate the festival. Failure to comply with these demands has been met with chilling threats, including violent repercussions.

Reports also came in that the Durga idols under making were destroyed in many places which also traumatized the Hindu minorities of Bangladesh.

The recent attacks on Durga idols in Bangladesh have indeed sent shockwaves through the Hindu community, causing widespread trauma and fear. This isn’t the first time the community has faced such violence, as evidenced by the 2021 Bangladesh anti-Hindu violence during the Durga Puja festival.

Back then, a viral video sparked communal violence across Bangladesh, resulting in over 50 temples and makeshift worship arrangements being vandalized. The violence claimed at least eight lives, including three Hindus and five Muslims.

The minority Hindu community is understandably worried, and the administration’s assurances have done little to alleviate their concerns. The Durga Puja festival, a symbol of triumph over adversity, is now overshadowed by fears of violence and persecution. The government needs to take concrete actions to ensure the safety and security of the Hindu community, rather than just providing empty assurances.
…

__Inputs from Agencies & India Today.