Days After Violence against Hindus in Dhaka, Bangladesh Army Assures Safe Durga Puja Celebrations

Dhaka: Days after reports of protest by majority community against Hindus celebrating Durga Puja in Bangladesh surfaced, the Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman has assured them safety and peaceful celebrations.

Notably, the Hindu community has been under attacks since August 5 following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after student protests turned violent.

His assurance came while he was visiting Dhakeshwari Temple in Dhaka to assess the security measures taken in view of Durga Puja celebrations. The Army chief also extended greetings to all Hindus on the occasion of Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of Bangladeshi Hindus.

He also engaged in discussions with key stakeholders, including the Metropolitan Puja Committee and the President of Bangladesh Puja Celebration Parishad.

"According to the instructions of the interim government, the Bangladesh Army has taken appropriate measures to ensure the safety of all during the celebration of the Durga Puja, the festival of Hindus, by keeping the law and order situation under control," news agency ANI quoted General Waqar-uz-Zaman as saying.

"As part of this, the army is deployed in districts across the country to ensure the security of places of worship," he added.

He asserted that every Bangladeshi belonging to the Hindu religion would celebrate Sharidiya Durgotsav with a festive fervour and great enthusiasm.

Durga Puja is all set to be celebrated from October 9 to 13. The celebrations will be held in 32,666 pavilions of Bangladesh , police said.

Meanwhile, the neighbouring country witnessed a massive rally on Friday by the Hindu community, who hit Dhaka streets to protest against the atrocities and persecution they are subjected to by the hands of extremist elements, demanding protection and justice.

As per reports, thousands of Hindus from across the country converged at the historic Central Shahid Minar in Dhaka under the umbrella of the Combined Minority Alliance, urging the Muhammad Yunus-led government to accept their eight-point demand to ensure the safety and well-being of minority communities.