Dhaka: A month after former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was deposed and forced to leave the country, the interim government, led by Mohammad Yunus, has issued several oppressive diktats targeting the Hindu community, raising concerns over the deteriorating conditions of non-Muslims in the Islamic state.
In the latest directive, the Hindu community has been denied permission to organize Durga Puja pandals across Bangladesh, with authorities citing security threats from extremist elements. This comes after an earlier order that required Hindus to halt Durga Puja activities for five minutes during Azan (the call to prayer) and Namaz (Muslim prayers), issued by Bangladesh's Home Affairs adviser, Lieutenant General (retired) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. He emphasized that “such activities must be stopped during Azan and Namaz for five minutes."
The fresh restrictions come amid increasing reports of vandalism of Durga idols and threats to Hindu temples across the country. According to reports, a Durga idol was desecrated early Thursday morning in Kishoreganj, while several temples in different parts of the country, including Khulna city’s Dacope town, have received extortion demands. Organizers have been threatened with demands of Rs 5 lakh if they wish to celebrate the Durga Puja festival peacefully.
Despite assurances from Bangladesh police, who claim to be providing protection, many temple committees remain skeptical of the authorities. The lack of trust is evident as some Durga Puja committees have chosen to cancel or withhold the celebrations altogether, fearing for their safety amid the rising threats. The festival, scheduled from October 9-13, faces uncertainty as the Hindu minority struggles under increasing pressure from extremist elements.
These incidents underscore the precarious condition of non-Muslims in Bangladesh under the current Islamic-led regime, where their religious freedom is severely curtailed, and they face constant threats and intimidation. The restrictions on Hindu festivals, threats to temple communities, and vandalism of religious idols paint a troubling picture of the eroding rights of non-Muslims in the country.
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