Amid concerns of possible communal unrest during Durga Puja in Bangladesh, some temples have received extortion threats from Islamist groups demanding Rs 5 lakh if they want to celebrate the festival.
Speaking exclusively to News18, Mahendra Nath, General Secretary Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, said that over 25 temples in Dacope town of Khulna city have received threats demanding Rs 5 lakh to celebrate the five-day festivity.
Read More: Bangladesh Readies For Durga Puja With Enhanced Security In Fear Of Possible Unrest, Assures Safety For Hindu Temples
Nath further said that the temples have lodged a complaint against the extortion threats with the police but they lack confidence in police. However, the police have assured protection to the temple committees for the celebrations.
Owing to the threats, some puja committees have cancelled the celebrations.
Durga Puja will be celebrated from October 9 to 13 and more puja pandals will reportedly be built this year in Bangladesh compared to 2023. Last year, the number of the puja mandap was 33, 431 and the number is likely to exceed this year.
No Puja Activities During Azaan
Earlier, the interim government of Bangladesh led by Muhammad Yunus had ‘requested’ the country’s Hindu community to halt their Durga puja-related activities, especially playing any musical instrument five minutes before azaan and during namaaz.
“Such activities need to cease during offering namaaz, and the pause will have to be followed from five minutes prior to azaan,” Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury was quoted as saying by Times of India.
Read More: No Durga Puja Activities During Azaan, Namaaz? Bangladesh Govt’s Special Request To Hindu Committees
In addition to the sound restrictions, Chowdhury had assured that the Hindu community will be provided with heightened security measures during the festivities. He stated that the government is also working to provide round-the-clock security at all puja venues, starting from the construction of the idols, to prevent any disruptions or criminal activities.
Read More: ‘Political, Not Communal’: Bangladesh’s Yunus Says Issue Of Attacks On Hindus Exaggerated
Attacks On Minority In Bangladesh
The minority Hindu population faced vandalism of their businesses and properties, as well as the destruction of Hindu temples, during the student-led violence that erupted following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
After unprecedented anti-government protests that peaked on August 5, Hasina resigned as prime minister and fled to India.
Read More: Bangladesh Revokes Hilsa Export Ban, Approves 3,000 Tonne Shipment To India Ahead of Durga Puja
Yunus, however, had said that attacks were not communal, but a fallout of a political upheaval as there is a perception that most Hindus supported the now-deposed Awami League regime.
Hindus, who made up 22 per cent of Bangladesh’s population at the time of the 1971 Liberation War, now constitute about 8 per cent of 170 million and have predominantly supported the Awami League, known for its secular stance.
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