Bangladesh has been facing a wave of attacks and violence during one of its most significant Hindu religious festivals, Durga Puja. In the midst of this turmoil, Nobel laureate and Chief Advisor to the interim government of Bangladesh, Professor Muhammad Yunus, visited the Dhakeshwari National Temple, one of the country’s most revered Hindu sites, located in the heart of Dhaka. Yunus’ visit was not only a gesture of solidarity with the Hindu community but also a moment to reflect on the broader societal and governmental failures in protecting minority groups during such crucial times.
A Symbolic Visit Amid Rising Tensions
Professor Yunus, a figure renowned for his advocacy for social justice and economic development through microfinance, took this opportunity to speak to the Hindu community at Dhakeshwari Temple during Durga Puja. His visit was more than ceremonial; it came at a critical time when tensions in Bangladesh were high following attacks on Hindu religious sites. Yunus expressed the government’s desire to create a Bangladesh where the rights of every citizen, regardless of their religion or ethnicity, are respected and safeguarded.
During his address, Yunus acknowledged the role of law enforcement in maintaining peace during the Durga Puja celebrations but highlighted a “collective failure” in preventing such attacks. According to Yunus, it is not enough to rely solely on law enforcement to ensure safety during religious festivals; the responsibility also lies with society at large to promote harmony and inclusivity. He stressed that these incidents of violence against minority communities represent a systemic issue that must be addressed at both societal and governmental levels.
Attacks on Durga Puja Mandaps
The visit by Yunus came on the heels of a series of disturbing events, particularly an attack at a Durga Puja mandap in the Tantibazar area of Old Dhaka. On Friday night, a crude bomb was allegedly thrown at the gathering, causing a fire. Although no one was severely injured, five volunteers were hurt while trying to stop the assailants. These attacks have drawn widespread condemnation, both within Bangladesh and internationally.
India, which shares deep cultural and historical ties with Bangladesh and houses a significant Hindu population, expressed “serious concern” over these incidents. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India described the attacks as part of a “systematic pattern of desecration” targeting Hindu temples and religious festivals in Bangladesh. In a statement, the MEA called upon the Bangladeshi government to take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of its Hindu population, particularly during the festive season. The statement underscored that the incidents at Tantibazar and the theft of a golden crown at the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple in Satkhira represent an alarming trend that cannot be ignored.
Government Response and Ongoing Investigations
In response to the attacks, Bangladesh’s interim government has ramped up security measures across the country, deploying law enforcement personnel to sensitive locations, including Hindu temples and Puja mandaps. Lieutenant General (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Home Advisor to the interim government, visited various Puja sites in Srinagar and Sirajdikhan to assess the security situation. He also announced that the government had allocated four crore Taka for Durga Puja celebrations to ensure the safety of worshippers and prevent further incidents.
AF Hassan Ariff, Adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, also visited the local hospital where the victims of the Tantibazar attack were being treated. His visit was followed by an inspection of the Puja mandap organized by the Tanti Bazar Puja Committee, where the attack had occurred. These high-profile visits aimed to reassure the Hindu community that the government is committed to protecting their rights and ensuring their safety during the ongoing religious festivities.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Moinul Islam reported that so far, 17 people had been arrested in connection with the attacks, and over a dozen cases had been registered in the month of October alone. In total, Bangladesh has witnessed around 35 incidents of violence and vandalism related to Durga Puja celebrations this year. These incidents, though not new, have reignited fears among the minority Hindu population, who have historically faced persecution and discrimination in the Muslim-majority nation.
The Broader Context: Rising Tensions and Political Instability
The recent surge in attacks on Hindu religious sites comes against the backdrop of political instability in Bangladesh. The minority Hindu population, which constitutes about 8% of the country’s 170 million people, has increasingly found itself caught in the crossfire of political and religious unrest. Since the student-led protests that culminated in the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, Bangladesh has been grappling with a volatile political climate. These protests, initially focused on education and employment issues, quickly escalated into broader discontent, leading to acts of vandalism and violence, especially against minority communities.
Hindus in Bangladesh have long complained of systemic discrimination, including the vandalism of their properties, businesses, and places of worship. The Durga Puja attacks are part of a broader trend of religious intolerance that has persisted despite the country’s official stance on secularism. In recent years, there have been numerous reports of temple desecrations, assaults on Hindus, and destruction of their properties, particularly during religious festivals.
The Path Forward: Building a More Inclusive Society
Professor Yunus’ visit to the Dhakeshwari Temple and his remarks about the collective responsibility to ensure religious freedom underscore the urgent need for a societal shift in Bangladesh. The government alone cannot solve the deep-seated issues of religious intolerance and violence. Yunus’ call for a Bangladesh where “each and every citizen’s right will be ensured” points to the need for both governmental reforms and grassroots efforts to promote inclusivity and tolerance.
As Bangladesh moves forward, it will need to address the root causes of religious and ethnic violence, including the political manipulation of religious sentiments. The country’s future stability depends on its ability to create a more inclusive society that protects the rights of all its citizens, particularly minorities like the Hindu community.
The attacks on Durga Puja mandaps and the broader trend of religious violence in Bangladesh serve as a sobering reminder that the road to true equality and peace is long. However, with figures like Professor Yunus advocating for change and the government taking steps to ensure security, there is hope that Bangladesh can move towards a future where all citizens, regardless of their religion or ethnicity, can celebrate their traditions without fear.