NEW DELHI: As the aroma of incense and the sound of dhaks (drums) traditionally fill the air during Durga Puja, this year a somber mood envelops the Hindu community in Bangladesh. The vibrant festival, usually a time of joy and reverence, has been overshadowed by a wave of communal violence following political upheaval in the country.
A Festival Muted by Fear
The resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, triggered by protests against a controversial job quota system, has left a power vacuum that seems to have emboldened attackers. In just two months, over 2,000 attacks against the Hindu community have been reported, casting a pall over the upcoming celebrations.
Ranjan Karmakar, a praesidium member of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCOP), starkly summarized the situation: “This year, we are just organising Durga Puja, and there will be no Durga Puja celebrations. This is a form of protest from the Hindu community, and the Hindus are also not in the frame of mind to participate in any form of festivities following the continuous attacks on our community since August this year.”
Threats and Extortion Mar Preparations
The festival preparations have been marred by threats and extortion attempts. An anonymous Hindu leader and Puja organizer revealed, “Several puja committees have received anonymous threat letters demanding large sums of money—specifically, Bangladesh taka 3-5 lakh—to allow their celebrations to continue without disruption.”
He added poignantly, “Is this a secure atmosphere where we can hold Durga Puja celebrations peacefully? This is not an isolated incident but has now become a norm this year.”
A Community’s Resilience
Despite the challenges, the spirit of Durga Puja perseveres. Basudeb Dhar, Chairperson of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, shared their approach: “While the government has assured our safety, the community has decided to hold the festival in a subdued manner by conducting Durga Puja rituals and avoiding all forms of festivities, including cultural programmes.”
Dhar added a note of peaceful protest: “We have urged all puja organisers to display protest banners peacefully. These banners will list our demands, which include setting up an impartial investigation panel to ensure justice for minority persecution cases and the creation of a Minority Protection Act.”
Government Assurances and Community Concerns
The interim government has stepped up efforts to ensure the safety of the Hindu community during the festival. Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain stated firmly, “If anyone disrupts or harasses people at worship halls, we will not spare them. We will bring them under the law and ensure peace.”
However, community leaders like Kajal Debnath of BHBCOP question the long-term commitment: “The government is taking proactive steps, but why only for these five days? Why not for the remaining 360 days? Hindus are very much citizens of Bangladesh and should live without fear and intimidation.”
A Test of Secular Values
As Bangladesh prepares for Durga Puja from October 9 to 13, the eyes of the international community, especially India, are on how the country navigates these troubled waters. The manner in which these celebrations unfold may well serve as a litmus test for Bangladesh’s commitment to its secular values and the protection of its minority communities.
For now, the Hindu community in Bangladesh stands at a crossroads, their resilience tested but not broken, as they prepare to celebrate their biggest festival under the shadow of fear and hope.
(With inputs from PTI)
