Dhaka: In a worrying turn of events, Islamic extremists in Bangladesh have openly threatened the country’s Hindu minority, urging them not to celebrate Durga Puja. They have also called for Hindus to refrain from participating in the immersion of idols. Durga Puja, the most significant festival for Hindus in Bangladesh, is set to commence on October 9. According to reports from India Today, radical groups are pushing for a ban on this festival, instilling fear within the nation’s largest minority community.
Protests from Extremist Groups
Reports indicate that the extremist group “Insaf Kaimkari Chhatra Janta” recently held a demonstration opposing the use of public grounds for the Durga Puja festivities in the Dhaka sector. The Hindu community has traditionally used this ground for their celebrations for years.
Protesters carried placards written in Bangla, stating, “Do not celebrate Durga Puja by blocking roads.” They also voiced their objections to the declaration of a national holiday for a festival celebrated by a mere 8% of the population, arguing that it causes inconvenience to Muslims.
Call for Anti-India Banners
Furthermore, Islamic extremists are demanding that Hindu citizens prove their loyalty to Bangladesh. This includes calls for anti-India banners to be displayed at all temples. There have also been reports of temples and idols being vandalized in several areas, raising significant concerns among the Hindu community. On September 22, students from a madrasa vandalized idols of Goddess Durga in the Raipur area of Lakshmiganj district.
In Khulna, demands have been made for Hindus to pay five lakh Bangladeshi taka to celebrate Durga Puja. Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus has expressed the need to protect Hindus, but the interim government has struggled to contain the radicals.
Hindu Community Living in Fear
Kushal Chakraborty, president of the Sanatan Vidyarthi Parishad in Chattogram, shared with India Today that Hindus are preparing for Durga Puja amidst fears. He stated, “We are scared. We are trying to contact the government for security. Idols have been vandalized in Faridpur, Khulna, and many other places. We are preparing for Durga Puja, but the fear persists.”
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