Should the Hindu Community in Bangladesh Receive Year-Round Protection?
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Synopsis
As the Durga Puja festival approaches, Hindu leaders in Bangladesh insist on the necessity of all-year protection for their community. Amid rising violence against temples, calls for accountability and justice grow stronger. Will the government heed their demands for a safer environment for all religious minorities?
Key Takeaways
- Demand for year-round protection for Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
- Incidents of temple vandalism reported in 13 districts.
- Calls for accountability and justice against perpetrators.
- Awami League party condemns ongoing violence.
- Concern over the safety of religious minorities.
Dhaka, Sep 27 (NationPress) Leaders from the Hindu community in Bangladesh have called for continuous protection for religious minorities and their places of worship throughout the year, rather than just during the Durga Puja, as reported by local media.
During a press conference held in Dhaka, these leaders expressed concern over the reports of temple and idol vandalism that have already emerged from 13 districts nationwide.
These violent acts have surfaced as the preparations for the country’s largest Hindu festival, celebrated from September 28 to October 2, are underway.
Such incidents reveal a worrying pattern, as attacks on Hindu temples and communities have increased since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took office in August 2024.
“To foster a discrimination-free Bangladesh, we must prioritize security beyond just the five days of Puja; it must be a year-round commitment,” stated Jayanta Kumar Deb, president of the Mohanagar Sarbojanin Puja Committee, as quoted by the prominent newspaper, The Daily Star.
Jayanta further urged for the retraction of false accusations against leaders of religious and ethnic minorities, as well as other innocent individuals.
According to Basudev Dhar, President of the Puja Udjapan Parishad, many Hindus have been wrongfully accused and he appealed to the interim government to allow their participation in the Puja festivities.
Furthermore, Subrata Chowdhury from the Puja Udjapan Parishad emphasized the necessity of holding accountable those responsible for vandalizing idols and temples across the nation in accordance with the law.
Last week, reports surfaced of miscreants vandalizing idols and stealing a security camera at the Shwarupdah Palpara Sri Sri Rakhha Kali Temple in Mirpur upazila of Kushtia district.
In a similar act, a miscreant damaged seven idols at a Hindu temple in the Sarishabari upazila of Jamalpur district, amidst a troubling wave of attacks on religious minorities in Bangladesh.
Earlier this week, the Awami League party of Bangladesh condemned the temple attacks and idol vandalism occurring during Durga Puja preparations.
The party criticized the Yunus regime, stating, “Since this illegitimate group took control, there have been numerous attacks on Hindus and other minority communities.”
Expressing significant concern, the Awami League alleged that the Yunus administration has made Bangladesh unsafe for individuals of all faiths and beliefs.
Point of View
I believe that the rising violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh is alarming. It is essential to uphold the rights and safety of every community. The demand for year-round protection signifies a broader need for inclusivity and respect for all beliefs in our nation. We must advocate for justice and ensure that all citizens feel safe regardless of their faith.
NationPress
27/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the call for year-round protection for Hindus in Bangladesh?
The rising incidents of temple vandalism and violence against Hindu communities, especially during the Durga Puja preparations, have led community leaders to demand continuous protection.
How many districts have reported incidents of temple vandalism?
Reports indicate that incidents of vandalism have emerged from 13 districts across Bangladesh.
What do Hindu leaders want from the Bangladeshi government?
They are calling for the withdrawal of false cases against minority leaders and year-round security to ensure the safety of their places of worship.
What has the Awami League party stated regarding the violence?
The Awami League condemned the attacks on temples and claimed that the Yunus regime has made the country unsafe for all faiths.
What are the implications of these attacks on the Hindu community?
These attacks highlight a growing trend of violence against religious minorities, which raises concerns about safety and freedom of worship in Bangladesh.
