“Pay or be chopped to pieces”: Hindu Temples in Bangladesh face $4,200 extortion threats ahead of Durga Puja
Despite threats of violence, some Durga Puja committees remain determined to proceed with festivities, while others consider canceling in the face of rising tensions.
The Hindu community in Bangladesh is facing an unprecedented threats ahead of Durga Puja festivities this year. Several Durga Puja celebration committees have received anonymous letters demanding USD 4,200 (5 lakh Bangladeshi Taka) to proceed with the celebrations. The extortionists threatened violence if the demands were not met, with the most severe consequence being death.
According to The Daily Star, the chilling letters warned committee members that failing to pay the extortion money would result in them being “chopped into pieces,” and their families being harmed. “If you want to celebrate Durga Puja, every temple committee must pay 5 lakh Taka. If you fail to comply, you will not be able to celebrate. Ready the money within a week. Place the cash at the spot we specify later. Remember, if you inform the administration or Press, we shall chop you into pieces,” the letter reads. The extortionists also claimed to have infiltrated local law enforcement and the army, saying they had bought them to prevent any action against them.
These threats have caused immense fear and uncertainty among the Hindu community, with some leaders openly considering canceling the celebrations. The situation has reached a tipping point for many temple committees who feel forced to choose between celebrating their faith and ensuring their safety.
In the face of these terrifying threats, several community leaders met to discuss whether Durga Puja should go forward. Despite the anxiety and reluctance expressed by many, they ultimately decided to continue with the festivities. However, Shekhar Chandra Goldar, president of the Kamarkhola Sarvajanin Durga Puja Celebration Committee in Dakop, expressed his dismay, stating, “Our members are no longer interested. This year we have to stop the puja.”
In response to the threats, four temples filed a general diary (GD) with the Dacope Police Station last Friday. Officer-in-Charge Sirajul Islam confirmed that the authorities are investigating the matter. “The GD was filed by four temples… We are patrolling regularly along with the army team,” he stated. However, there is still widespread concern over whether these measures will be enough to prevent further intimidation or violence.
This isn’t the first time Durga Puja celebrations have come under strain. Earlier this month, Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, imposed restrictions on the celebrations. The government asked Hindus not to play musical instruments during the festival to avoid clashing with the Muslim calls to prayer (azan) and namaz times. Many in the Hindu community view this as a further marginalization of their traditions in the country.
The Hindu community in Bangladesh is now grappling with a complex dilemma how do you celebrate your faith when it comes under attack from anonymous threats, and your safety and religious freedom are at stake? Will this intimidation lead to a dampening of one of their most sacred festivals, or will they find a way to celebrate in the face of adversity? Only time will tell how these events will unfold and whether the authorities can ensure the safety of those who continue with Durga Puja this year.
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