After the change of power, there was a lot of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. Many people lost their lives. After Mohammad Yunus became the head of the interim government of Bangladesh, many changes were seen in the neighboring country. However, after facing embarrassment over the violence against Hindus across the world, the Bangladesh government tried somehow to improve its image, but the reality came to the fore. Durga Puja celebrations there have had a tumultuous start, as the interim government and various Muslim bodies refused to grant permission for Durga Puja in many areas. Not only this, but the organizing committees were allegedly asked to remain silent during the namaz and pay Rs 5 lakh each as Jizya tax. Incidents of vandalism and looting of statues were also reported at many places.
According to a Daily Star report late last month, several Durga Puja committees have received threat letters asking them to pay Rs 5,00,000 if they want to celebrate the festival. Several Hindu temples in Khulna’s Dakop area have also lodged police complaints after receiving threat letters. Meanwhile, the Dhaka Tribune reported last month that the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government has advised worship committees to keep their musical instruments and sound systems off during azaan and namaz. The statement was reportedly made by Home Affairs Advisor Lieutenant General (retd) Mohammad Jahangir Alam Choudhary after a law and order meeting.
Bangladesh has seen an increase in violence against minority groups after Sheikh Hasina resigned in early August. However, the new administration has insisted that the attacks were political in nature. According to reports, officials have cited poor security arrangements and threats to ban the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations. However, senior members of the administration stressed that devotees will definitely get a chance to celebrate the festival in Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Mohammad Tauheed Hossain said during a recent conversation with ‘ANI’, “This is quite strange. Some people may not like Durga Puja. Durga Puja has been performed in this country for centuries and there is no example when Durga Puja has not been performed. Certainly, devotees who wish to do so have the opportunity to do so. There should be no doubt about this.”
