Dhaka, 10th September: The Bangladesh Home Ministry has issued a directive instructing Hindu Puja committees to halt Durga Puja rituals and mute sound systems five minutes before and during Azan and Namaz, a move that has sparked outrage and widespread criticism. The directive, announced on Tuesday, has been labeled by netizens as a “Talibani order” imposed by the interim Bangladeshi government.
The decree came after a meeting at the secretariat between Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and leaders of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad. This meeting was part of preparations for the upcoming Durga Puja, the largest religious festival for Bangladesh’s Hindu community, which will take place from October 9 to October 13. The role of an adviser in the interim government is equivalent to that of a minister.
During a subsequent press conference, Home Affairs Adviser Chowdhury explained that the decision was made to maintain law and order, citing concerns raised by the Muslim community about disruptions during Azan and Namaz. “Puja committees have been instructed to turn off musical instruments and sound systems five minutes before and during these times,” he said.
Chowdhury further expressed concerns about the cross-border movement of Hindus during Durga Puja, noting that both Bangladeshi and Indian citizens traditionally travel across the border to participate in celebrations. He emphasized the need to limit such movement, saying, “I have requested everyone to organize better Puja mandaps in the border areas so our people don’t need to cross over, and Indian citizens won’t feel the need to come here.”
Despite the directive, the Home Affairs Adviser assured the public that security for the Hindu community would be enhanced during the festival. “We will ensure round-the-clock security at all Puja mandaps from the time the idols are made,” he stated. He added that a total of 32,666 Puja mandaps would be erected nationwide this year, slightly down from 33,431 in 2023. In Dhaka, 157 mandaps will be set up in the South City Corporation and 88 in the North.
In response to concerns about potential unrest, Chowdhury outlined additional security measures, including the recruitment of volunteers to safeguard the Puja celebrations. He emphasized that volunteers would not be exclusively drawn from the Hindu community, stating, “Any Bangladeshi citizen can volunteer. There will be at least two volunteers during the day and three at night.”
The press conference was attended by other high-ranking officials, including Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain, senior law enforcement personnel, and representatives from the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad.
The directive has drawn sharp reactions from many within the Hindu community and beyond, with some viewing it as a reflection of growing intolerance towards religious minorities. The government has yet to formally address the backlash, but the controversy surrounding this year’s Durga Puja preparations is expected to continue