On Tuesday, September 10th, the Bangladesh Home Ministry issued a directive instructing Durga Puja committees to halt rituals and sound systems five minutes before Azan and Namaz. The order, which aims to ensure religious harmony during the Durga Puja celebrations, has ignited criticism, with netizens labeling it a “Talibani order” targeting the Hindu community.
According to Bangladeshi media reports, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury met with leaders of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad at the secretariat to discuss the matter. The meeting addressed law and order concerns ahead of Durga Puja, Bangladesh’s largest Hindu festival, celebrated from October 9th to 13th.
Meet the Bangladeshi Home Minister Advisor who is directing that Hindus must stop their pujas, music, & any rituals 5 minutes before Azan—or face arrest.
This is new Talibani #Bangladesh. But no Bollywoodiya will hold placards for Bangladeshi Minorities because they are Hindus. pic.twitter.com/iI6T9ODSQm
— Radharamn Das राधारमण दास (@RadharamnDas) September 10, 2024
During a press conference, Chowdhury confirmed that Puja committees have been instructed to silence musical instruments and sound systems five minutes before and during Muslim prayers. He also highlighted the challenge of maintaining public order, citing cross-border movement of Hindus between Bangladesh and India for the celebrations. Chowdhury urged the creation of more puja mandaps (worship sites) near border areas to prevent unnecessary travel.
Despite the restrictions, Chowdhury assured the Hindu community of enhanced security measures throughout the festival, particularly from the time of idol preparation. A total of 32,666 puja mandaps will be erected this year, slightly fewer than the 33,431 from last year. Additionally, security will be bolstered by volunteers recruited from across Bangladesh, regardless of religious affiliation.
Other officials, including Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain, law enforcement leaders, and Puja Celebration Parishad representatives, were present at the meeting. While the government aims to prevent mischief and ensure peaceful celebrations, the new regulations have sparked debate about the balance between religious accommodation and restriction.