Since the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, attacks against that minority have intensified. In recent days some statues have been destroyed or vandalized. Bangladesh’s new government said it intends to ensure, even with the deployment of security forces, that the Hindu festival takes place in a peaceful environment.
Dhaka () – The Hindu community in Bangladesh is preparing to celebrate Durga Puja from October 8 to 13, one of the most important religious holidays for that minority. However, this year the festive atmosphere is overshadowed by a climate of tension and fear due to the numerous episodes of violence against Hindus, which intensified after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5.
In recent days, several places of Hindu worship have been attacked. On October 3, for example, seven statues of the goddess Durga were destroyed at the Sri Sri Jeor Akhara temple in Kishoreganj district. The Gopinath Sangh, the community that organizes the Durga Puja on Manipurghat Road Hindupara, explained that this year is the first time that the event is celebrated in this locality and, although volunteers had guarded the temple until the early hours of the Early morning, the vandals managed to enter and destroyed some statues.
According to some reports, several Muslim extremist groups have issued a fatwa against statue worship, and Hindu citizens have been accused of being “unpatriotic” because they are associated with India, which some consider an “enemy” country. In several cases, Hindu temples were required to display anti-India banners and slogans.
On October 4, the United Minorities Alliance of Bangladesh organized a demonstration at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka to demand justice and some fundamental measures, such as the creation of speedy trial courts, a law for the protection of minorities , the institution of a Ministry for Minority Affairs and the guarantee of prayer spaces in universities. During the demonstration, speakers noted that it is urgent to protect the most vulnerable communities and end systematic discrimination.
Meanwhile, security measures have been further tightened for Durga Puja. At a press conference held on October 2, the director of the communication department of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Lieutenant Colonel Munim Ferdous, reported on the special measures that had been planned to avoid disturbances during the celebrations. . The RAB will act as a rapid intervention force, with bomb units and intelligence members deployed throughout the country. 31,461 places of worship have been identified, for which security patrols will be organized. Ferdous also explained that computer surveillance will be reinforced in order to guarantee the protection of the faithful.
Durga Puja is celebrated throughout the Indian subcontinent and is the most important festival of Hindus, dedicated to the goddess Durga, a symbol of the victory of good over evil.
Despite the difficulties, the interim government has promised to ensure that the celebrations are peaceful and assured that extraordinary security measures have been taken so that they take place in a peaceful environment.
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