Bangladesh Hindus Mull Puja Cancellation as Fear and Uncertainty Grip Community.

Hindu Festivities Marred by Violence: Bangladesh Witnesses Idol Vandalism, Restrictions on Durga Puja Celebrations.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | New Delhi | Oct 4, 2024: Bangladesh’s Hindu community is facing uncertainty regarding the celebration of Durga Puja, their biggest festival, due to security concerns. Despite the government’s decision to implement extra security measures, community leaders have expressed doubts about proceeding with the festivities. The concerns are fueled by threatening messages and videos circulating on social media, which, although unverified, have created a sense of unease.

Many temples in Dakop, Khulna, have received anonymous letters demanding 5 lakh takas as “jajiya-like tax” to allow the celebrations to take place. Failure to comply would result in severe consequences, according to the letters. This has led to cancellations, with Shekhar Chandra Goldar, president of Kamarkhola Sarvajanin Durga Puja Celebration Committee, stating, “Our members are no longer interested. This year we have to stop the puja”.

The authorities have taken steps to address the concerns, with the police investigating the matter and patrolling regularly with the army team. Officer-in-charge Sirajul Islam assured, “We are investigating… We are patrolling regularly along with the army team”. However, the situation remains tense, and the community’s ability to celebrate Durga Puja remains uncertain.

The situation in Bangladesh has taken a concerning turn, with the interim government and Muslim bodies denying permission for Hindus to celebrate Durga Puja due to alleged security concerns and threats. This decision has led to puja committees being instructed to remain silent during Namaaz offerings, further restricting the Hindu community’s ability to observe their festival.

Reports of Durga idol vandalism have been flooding in from various locations, including Kishoreganj’s Batrish Gopinath Jiur Akhara, where a brand new idol of the Goddess was desecrated. This isn’t an isolated incident, as similar vandalism occurred in Kushtia district last year, where unidentified miscreants targeted under-construction Durga idols.

The directives from the government and Muslim bodies have raised concerns about the safety and religious freedom of Hindus in Bangladesh. The country’s home minister has also made statements that seem to prioritize Muslim sentiments over Hindu rights, such as requiring puja committees to silence their festivities during Namaaz.

It’s essential to recognize the significance of Durga Puja for the Hindu community, as it’s one of their most important festivals. The celebration honors Goddess Durga’s victory over evil and is a time for spiritual reflection, family gatherings, and cultural festivities. The restrictions and vandalism not only harm the Hindu community but also undermine the principles of religious coexistence and tolerance.

Bangladesh’s Hindu community is facing growing concerns and threats ahead of the Durga Puja festival, scheduled to begin on October 9. In Comilla district, a newly-constructed Durga idol was vandalized, and the donation box of the temple was looted. Similarly, in Narail district, Islamists attacked a Durga temple in Mirapara just two days ago.

These incidents are part of a larger pattern of intimidation and violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. Radical groups have been staging protests against the festival, demanding restrictions on celebrations and the removal of national holiday status. The situation is escalating, with puja committees receiving written demands to pay Rs 5 lakh each as ‘jizya’ taxes in exchange for protection. Sources said an alarmingly large number of committees had backed out from organising puja beforehand due to the exorbitant taxes.

The sectarian developments came to the fore at a time when the nation’s interim government announced the recalling of five envoys on Wednesday, including the ambassador to neighbouring India in a major diplomatic reshuffle. The recalled envoys were stationed in Brussels, Canberra, Lisbon, New Delhi, and the permanent mission to the United Nations in New York.

In 2021, Bangladesh witnessed widespread communal violence during the Durga Puja festival, resulting in the vandalism of over 50 temples and makeshift worship arrangements. The violence was sparked by a viral video alleging the desecration of the Quran at a temple in Comilla district. Later it was revealed that a Muslim man placed the Quran at the feet of an Hindu idol which led the communal flare up.

The dire situation for Hindus in Bangladesh is beyond imagination. They’ve been facing severe religious discrimination and violence from Islamist groups, and despite their protests, justice remains elusive.

On October 4, 2024, a massive gathering of Hindus took place at Dhaka’s Shahid Minar, where various Sanatani organizations united under the banner of “Sammilita Sankhyalagu Jot” to protest against the attacks on Hindu rights and Durga Puja. Reverend Chinmoy Prabu of Mahanam Sampradaya made a powerful call for Hindu unity to protect Sanatan Dharma from communal forces allegedly emboldened by Bangladesh’s interim government.

The Islamist organisations  in Bangladesh want a Sharia State and Hinduless Bangladesh during current interim government like previous regimes. Minority Hindus are persecuted in Bangladesh for ever. It is difficult to save the Vanishing Hindu Population in Bangladesh!

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__Inputs from Daily Star, TOI and News 18.