Islamist Groups Protest Hindu Festival Amid Growing Concerns
As the Hindu community in Bangladesh prepares for its largest festival, Durga Puja, tensions are escalating due to protests led by radical Islamic organizations. These groups are openly opposing public celebrations and the associated nationwide holidays, raising concerns for the minority Hindu population.
A recent protest in Dhaka, organized by an outfit named Insaf Keemkari Chhatra-Janta, featured demonstrators holding placards in Bangla that expressed sentiments against public worship and environmental concerns. Slogans included: “No worship anywhere by closing roads” and “No pollution from idol immersion.”
The protest highlighted a growing resistance to the use of public spaces for religious gatherings. Hindu devotees have been celebrating Durga Puja in a local playground for years, but this has drawn the ire of radical groups who marched in Dhaka’s Sector 13, demanding restrictions on such practices.
In a 16-point manifesto, the protesting group called for limitations on public worship and the immersion of idols, arguing that these activities contribute to environmental degradation. Their demands extend to preventing road closures during religious events and banning the use of government funds for festival-related expenses.
Incidents of vandalism have also been reported, with idols of Goddess Durga being damaged in various locations, exacerbating fears within the Hindu community. Insaf Keemkari Chhatra-Janta claims that, given Hindus constitute less than two percent of the population, public holidays for Durga Puja are unwarranted and disrupt the lives of the Muslim majority.
Moreover, their demands included the removal of temples, which they argue were built on lands taken unlawfully, and a call for anti-India sentiments to be promoted within these places of worship, citing geopolitical tensions.
The Hindu community, which is gearing up for Durga Puja, now faces increased anxiety as reports of vandalism and hostility surface. Despite assurances from the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, regarding the safety of the festival, apprehension remains high among the minority community.
