In a controversial move which raised eyebrows in India, the newly formed interim government in Bangladesh has asked the minority Hindu community to pause Durga Puja-related activities, especially music, during azaan and namaz (Islamic prayers).
In a statement to the media, Bangladesh’s home affairs adviser Lt Gen (retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury informed that the Hindus have been asked to keep musical instruments and sound systems off as Muslims start preparing to offer prayers. He said that the leaders of the communities have agreed to their request.
“Such activities need to cease during offering namaz, and the pause will have to be followed from five minutes prior to azaan,” said Chowdhury.
As per reports, the interim government, under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus, took this decision after a meeting on the evolving law and order situation in the country ahead of the Durga Puja, a festival celebrated among the Hindu communities in Bangladesh.
A report in local Dhaka Tribune suggested that a total of 32,666 puja mandaps will be erected across the county amid the festive season, which will start from October 9 and will be observed till October 13. Of these, 157 mandaps will be in Dhaka South and 88 will be in the northern part of the national capital.
Chowdhury also ensured security during the festive season. “We have discussed how to ensure round-the-clock security at the puja mandaps. Measures will be taken to facilitate the celebration of puja without any hindrance and prevent the evil activities of miscreants.”
In an address to the nation, Yunus emphasised the significance of communal harmony in the country.
Also read: Bangladesh wants good relations with India, must be based on fairness and equality: Muhammad Yunus
Yunus said, “We are a nation of communal harmony. No one shall do any act that destroys religious harmony… No one should take the law into their own hands. If someone takes the law into his own hands and creates a chaotic environment in society, we will bring him under punishment.”
(The article is published under a mutual content partnership arrangement between The Free Press Journal and Connected to India)
