DHAKA, Sep 17: Bangladesh’s interim government has pledged full security for the Hindu community during the upcoming Durga Puja processions, with Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury assuring that the festivities will proceed as planned and without disruption, reports Daily Star.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting arrangements at Dhaka’s Ramna Kali Temple, Chowdhury said, “The law-and-order situation will remain stable during the festivity. No problem will arise. Do not pay attention to rumours.”
His remarks come amid heightened concerns over rising communal tensions in the country.
In recent years, Bangladesh has seen a steady increase in religious extremism, with calls for ending secularism in the country by hardliners, putting its Hindu and other minority communities under strong pressure as attacks on them and their places of worship become more frequent.
The largest Hindu procession in the country, Durga Puja pandals have in past years been facing increased vandalism, idol desecration, and online hate campaigns, fuelling fears that hardline groups could attempt to incite violence again this season.
The rise of religious extremism has markedly increased since Chief Advisor Mohammed Yunus took office, with his administration largely perceived to be pandering to Islamic hardliners.
Against this backdrop, security for the upcoming Puja is being seen as a crucial test of the state’s commitment to minority protection and communal harmony.
To bolster safety, Chowdhury announced that all Puja mandaps across the country will be placed under 24-hour surveillance, with personnel from the police, Ansar, and other security forces deployed to ensure order.
He added that the government has increased this year’s allocation for Durga Puja to Tk 5 crore ($411,746), up from Tk 4 crore ($328,640) last year. He noted that this was a significant rise in fund allocation, as the Awami League in the past 15 years had only allotted Tk 2 crore ($164,320).
The Home Advisor urged Puja committees and law enforcement agencies to work in close coordination to guarantee a peaceful celebration.
He also warned against the spread of misinformation during the festival, stressing that Durga Puja is “a celebration that draws people of all religions, not just Hindus.”
In a bid to modernise oversight and responsiveness, the government has also launched a mobile application that will allow real-time reporting of incidents, enabling faster intervention by authorities.
Chowdhury expressed confidence that this year’s Durga Puja would be celebrated in a “more vibrant atmosphere” than in previous years, provided vigilance and cooperation remain high. (UNI)
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