Fears surround the Durga Puja after a series of attacks on Hindu temples and idols

On the eve of the largest Hindu festival, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council reported at least nine incidents of vandalism and arson between 2 and 23 September. Despite government reassurances and police promises to ensure maximum security, fear is growing among Hindus. This year, more than 33,000 mandaps (temporary pavilions housing idols during the festival) are expected to be set up across the country, nearly 2,000 more than in 2023.

Dhaka (AsiaNews) – On the eve of the Sharadiya Durga Puja celebrations, Bangladesh’s largest Hindu festival, fears are growing among believers.

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has reported a series of attacks on temples and idols in various parts of the country, casting doubt on the possibility of celebrating the holiday in a peaceful atmosphere.

Despite reassurances from government leaders, hopes for a peaceful celebration are fading, this according to the Unity Council. In a statement released on yesterday, its acting secretary general, Manindra Kumar Nath, lamented the growing fear and anxiety among devotees.

Between 2 and 23 September, at least nine acts of vandalism and arson were reported against mandaps (temporary pavilions hosting idols during the festival) and Hindu temples.

Some of the most serious incidents include the burning of an idol in Gaibandha, the destruction of temple statues in Panchagarh, Kushtia, Netrokona, and Gazipur, and seven idols damaged in Jamalpur last Sunday, a case in which CCTV footage led to the arrest of a 35-year-old man.

On the same day, other temples were targeted in Munshiganj over a land dispute. On Wednesday, six idols were vandalised in Jhenaidah, and more incidents were reported in Satkhira. Tensions related to the celebrations were reported in Chittagong, Kurigram, and Chapainawabganj.

The Unity Council warned that these incidents have created a climate of fear, with the prospect of further violence during the Durga Puja period. It has therefore called on the government and law enforcement to take immediate and strict measures to ensure public order.

Meanwhile, despite the growing alarm, preparations continue across the country. According to the Universal Puja Committee, 33,355 mandaps will be set up this year, nearly 2,000 more than in 2023. Dhaka alone has 259.

During a visit to a mandap in the capital, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam said that Durga Puja is a universal festival. Noting that police are on the highest alert to ensure people can worship without fear, he stressed that swift action has already been taken, including arrests and legal proceedings whenever an attack occurs.

• bangladesh
• sharadiya durga puja celebrations
• hinduism
• attacks
• violence