Bangladesh’s interim government on Sunday issued a stern warning to potential miscreants ahead of the Durga Puja festival. The government has categorically stated that strict action will be taken against those who disturb communal harmony or target temples during Durga Puja and they will not be spared. Durga Puja will be celebrated from October 9 to 13. “If anyone disrupts temples or troubles people, we will not spare them. We will punish them under the law and ensure peace,” religious affairs adviser Dr AFM Khaled Hussain said during a visit to the Premtali Gaurang Bari Kali temple in Rajshahi district.
According to the Dhaka Tribune, the advisor has assured Hindus that the government is committed to ensuring their safety and religious freedom. He said, “If you fear attacks on your temples, be assured that no criminal will succeed in doing so. We have deployed local people, including madrasa students, to protect the temples. No one will stop us from celebrating our religious festivals.”
Let us tell you that after the coup in Bangladesh early last month, a large number of incidents of violence against Hindus were reported. Many temples and Hindus were targeted. Amidst the violence, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had to resign and come to India, after which the situation became very worrying for Hindus in the neighboring country. About eight percent Hindus live in Bangladesh. In a separate meeting with government officials in Rajshahi on Saturday, Hussain warned that miscreants may try to disrupt Durga Puja celebrations. He said, “We should collectively oppose such efforts.”
Last month, thousands of Hindus staged protest rallies in Dhaka and Chittagong demanding stronger security against rising attacks. The Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance reported that since Hasina’s government left, the Hindu community has faced violence in 278 places in 48 districts. It called it an attack on Hinduism.
