Bangladesh Durga Puja Under Siege: 35 Incidents Reported, 17 Arrested Amid Rising Tensions

The Hindu minority in Bangladesh, which makes up approximately 8% of the country’s 170 million population, has faced significant challenges during the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations. Since October 1, about 35 incidents related to the festival have been reported, including vandalism of businesses, destruction of properties, and attacks on temples, leading to the arrest of 17 individuals.

On Thursday, a group of men sparked outrage by singing a song calling for an Islamic revolution at a Durga Puja mandap in Jatra Mohan Sen Hall, Chattogram. The incidents prompted police to register around a dozen cases and issue 24 general diaries, according to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Moinul Islam.

The five-day Durga Puja festival commenced with Maha Shasthi on Wednesday, and it is set to conclude with the immersion of the Goddess Durga idols on Sunday. However, the celebrations have been overshadowed by violence, particularly following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5.

Among the incidents was the theft of a hand-crafted golden mukut (crown) gifted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stolen from the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in Satkhira during the festival. The Indian High Commission has expressed concern and called for a thorough investigation into the matter.

In response to the theft and incidents of violence, IGP Islam assured that law enforcement is closely monitoring the situation, promising strict action against those who disrupt the peace during the festival.

Following the Chattogram incident, two individuals were arrested for their involvement in singing the provocative song, and a case has been filed against several people, including a member of the Puja committee. Local Hindu leaders have expressed shock and concern over the escalating tensions within the community.

In a proactive response, police have identified a suspect in the theft of the golden crown and launched a manhunt to recover it. The investigation continues, with calls for clarity on whether the theft was a simple act of theft or part of a larger, orchestrated plot.

On Friday, military leaders visited various temples, including the Ramna Kali Temple in Dhaka, to show solidarity with the Hindu community during this sensitive time. Government officials, including Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sazeeb Bhuiyan, also extended greetings to the community at several Durga Puja mandaps.

With threats from Islamist groups noted in advance of the festival, the interim government’s Religious Affairs Adviser had previously warned of severe consequences for anyone attempting to disrupt communal harmony or target places of worship during this important religious occasion.