Fear and anxiety loom over Durga Puja preparations in Bangladesh

By  Firstdespatch Desk   Oct 10, 2023

Agartala, Oct 10 (FD) Preparations are underway for the four-day Durga Puja, the most significant religious and social festival for minority Hindus in Bangladesh's 'Darul Islam.'
Despite the dedicated efforts of clay artisans and Puja organizers to ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration, a sense of foreboding has settled over the community.
In October 2021, a distressing incident saw copies of the Quran placed in Puja pandals, leading to havoc and violence, as some accused the Puja organizers of deliberate disrespect towards the Islamic faith.
In the wake of this, a septuagenarian priest was brutally beheaded in Noakhali, and other similar incidents occurred in Chandpur and nearby areas. Although CCTV footage exposed the heinous conspiracy and social media circulated the crime, it has left lasting fear within the minority community.
Furthermore, an octogenarian Hindu lyricist and Baul singer, Radhapada Roy, recently fell victim to an unprovoked attack by a group of individuals in the Kurigram area. This incident highlights the continued atmosphere of fear.
To enhance security, Puja organizers are installing CCTV cameras in pandals and involving liberal and moderate individuals in committees. However, the fear persists as some exploit scriptural interpretations to harass, humiliate, and harm non-believers.
Sources from moderate voices in Bangladesh express concern that the upcoming National Assembly election could lead to widespread violence targeting minority Hindus.
Historically, the winning party tends to victimise the minority community, seeking to confiscate their property and subjecting their women to torture.
The ruling Awami League's transformation into a majoritarian party has reinforced these concerns, as it aims to secure the votes of the majority faith. FD SB