Islamist groups warn Hindus, ‘No holidays, no idol immersion during Durga puja in Bangladesh’
- In Reports
- 06:25 PM, Sep 26, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Hindu minority in Bangladesh feels as though hostilities are growing stronger against them as they approach their largest festival, Durga Puja. Radical Islamic groups expressed hostility toward national holidays observed during this time and protested against public celebrations. Extremist groups marched in Sector 13 of Dhaka last week to protest against Hindus' use of a playground for Durga Puja, which they have been using as a venue for years.
Using banners that said, "No worship anywhere by closing roads, no pollution to water by idol immersion, no worship to idols," a group by the name of Insaf Keemkari Chhatra-Janta organised a demonstration. Concerns about environmental harm are used by the group to support their 16-point demand, which calls for prohibitions on idol immersion and public acts of worship. In addition, they want the use of government relief funds for festival expenses to be banned and road closures for religious events to be forbidden.
According to Insaf Keemkari Chhatra-Janta, Durga Puja should not be celebrated as a public holiday since it disturbs the lives of the majority of Muslims, even though Hindus make up less than 2% of the population. They also assert, citing religious grounds, that no Muslim should participate in or attend Hindu holidays. They also demand the demolition of the temples "built by occupying many special lands in Bangladesh".
The 16-point demand reads, "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.” The Hindu community in Bangladesh is experiencing more concerns about these developments as they gear up to celebrate Durga Puja under extreme stress. Following the overthrow of the previous Sheikh Hasina-led government, the community has experienced an increase in attacks.
The administration, headed by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus of the Bangladeshi interim government, has promised safety and security, but things are still tight. Concern has increased due to reports of idol destruction and temple vandalism, especially in areas like Khulna.
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