Dull Durga Puja in Bangladesh: An interim government led by Mo Yunus has taken over in Bangladesh, but attacks on Hindus have continued since. Last year, over 32,000 Durga Puja pandals were set up across the country, but this year, the number has dropped to a mere 1,000. These figures highlight the deteriorating situation of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. As a result, organizers have decided to protest the ongoing violence against Hindus. They expressed concerns for their existence and noted that the Durga Puja celebrations have lost their vibrancy. This year, the festival will be observed in a very subdued manner as a form of protest.
Hindu Existence Under Threat
The organizers claim that the recent violence and political changes in the country have left Hindus fearing for their survival. Since the government transition, attacks on minorities have been ongoing. Many people are disheartened and unwilling to celebrate the traditional festival. For the first time, the Durga Puja festival will not be held on the usual grand scale in Bangladesh.
Vandalism at Pandals
Dull Durga Puja in Bangladesh: Although the festival commenced on October 2 with Mahalaya, the celebrations took a grim turn as several incidents of vandalism were reported the same night. Many Durga idols were destroyed in various locations, stripping the festival of its essence. The fact that only 1,000 pandals have been erected this year compared to last year’s 32,000 further underscores the dire situation for Bangladesh’s Hindu community. The festival is now being celebrated under a cloud of fear and anxiety.
Mo Yunus’s False Promises
Incidents of idol destruction have been reported in several regions, including Faridpur, Barguna, Gauripur, and Kishoreganj over the past month, creating an atmosphere of fear. Mo Yunus had promised enhanced security for Durga Puja celebrations, including special police protection and fortified pandals. However, despite these claims, the violence continues. This has led many to believe that Yunus’s intentions towards Hindus are insincere. It seems his primary goal is to secure economic aid from India while merely pretending to offer protection to the Hindu community.
