No Durga Puja holidays, no idol immersion, Islamists in Bangladesh warn Hindus

Tensions are rising for the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh as their biggest festival, Durga Puja, approaches. Radical Islamic groups are opposing the open celebration of the festival, and are against nationwide holidays during the festival.

Recently, extremist groups also carried out a march in Dhaka's Sector 13, opposing the use of a playground by Hindus, who have been celebrating Durga Puja at the venue for years.

An organisation called Insaf Keemkari Chhatra-Janta staged a protest, holding placards in Bangla that read: "no worship anywhere by closing roads, no pollution to water by idol immersion, no worship to idols".

The group has also presented a 16-point demand, which calls for restrictions on public displays of worship and idol immersions, citing concerns over environmental damage. Their demands also include prohibiting road closures for religious events and preventing the use of government relief funds for festival expenses.

Insaf Keemkari Chhatra-Janta argues that since Hindus make up less than two per cent of the population, Durga Puja should not warrant public holidays, as it disrupts the lives of the Muslim majority. They also claim that no Muslim should be involved in supporting Hindu festivals, citing religious reasons.

Their demand also includes removing temples "built by occupying many special lands in Bangladesh".

"Since India is the national enemy of Bangladesh, the Hindu citizens of Bangladesh must also agree to be anti-India. For this reason, anti-India banners and anti-India slogans should be kept in temples," another demand reads.

These developments are causing increasing concern within the Hindu community, which is preparing to celebrate Durga Puja under heightened stress. The community has faced increased attacks after the fall of the previous Sheikh Hasina-led government.

Despite assurances of safety and security from the administration, led by Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh, the situation remains tense.

Reports of temple vandalism and idol destruction, particularly in districts like Khulna, have added to the growing anxiety.