Will Durga Puja in Bangladesh face Jizya-like extortion? Govt promises safety

Despite assurances of security from Bangladesh’s interim government, Durga Puja in Bangladesh is facing alarming threats from radical Islamist groups. These groups have allegedly demanded 5 lakh Bangladeshi taka in extortion, reminiscent of the historical jizya tax, where Islamic rulers would demand money from non-Muslim subjects. Durga Puja committees and Hindu temples are particularly targeted, raising concerns over the safety of religious practices.

The biggest festival for Bangladesh’s minority Hindu community, Durga Puja, is to be held between October 9 and 13. This year, the celebrations go up a notch in light of recent attacks on Hindus-a danger perceived by the community in general. The threats are concentrated particularly in the Dakop area of the Khulna district, where anonymous letters have already declared that celebrations will not be allowed to be done unless payments are made.

Apart from such threats, incidents of vandalism occurred at Durga idol installations at numerous districts. On 22 September, students of a madrassa vandalised idols at Raypur in Lakshmigonj district and similar attacks occurred at the Phuljhuri Galachipa temple at Barguna district. TSuch incidents have heightened concerns among Hindus, who feel increasingly vulnerable following the recent rise in violence since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina.

Kushal Chakraborty, the president of the Sanatan Bidyarthi Sansad in Chittagong, articulated the community’s fears as they prepare for the festival. “We are fearful. We’re trying to reach out to the government for protection. Idols have been vandalized in places like Faridpur, Khulna, and others. While we are preparing for Durga Puja, there is fear,” he stated.

Similarly, local Hindu leader Vivekanand Ray from Sathkira district expressed his worries about the ongoing destruction of idols and pandals by extremists. “We are getting ready for Durga Puja, but it seems celebrating our biggest festival will be difficult this year, with the government watching from the sidelines and police not intervening,” he remarked.

Condemning the recent attacks on minority communities, the Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council called upon the newly-formed government of Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus to take immediate legal action to those responsible for the attacks. In response, the council has formed a six-member monitoring group to ensure safety of the minorities during the festival.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mohammed Mainul Hassan pledged himself to more measures towards safety, and Home Affairs Advisor Lt Gen (retd) Mohammed Jahangir Alam Chowdhury gave assurances of security surrounding puja mandaps. He also, however assumed the task of enforcing a complete stoppage of music at times of prayer giving rise to further debate over religious freedoms balancing with public safety.

Now that the festival is knocking at the door, members of the Hindu community will be holding their collective breaths, hoping for protection and support to celebrate Durga Puja fearlessly.

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