‘Pay 5 Lakh Taka Else…’: Hindu Temples In Bangladesh Receive Threats Ahead of Durga Puja Celebration

Dhaka: Leaders of various Durga Puja celebration committees in Bangladesh have received anonymous threat letters demanding 5 lakh Taka mentioning that if demands are not met then they won’t be allowed to celebrate Durga Puja. 

According to a report in Bangladesh English daily, representatives of Durga Puja committees have filed a complaint with police in this regard. 

“The GD was filed by four temples on Friday … We are investigating the matter... We are patrolling regularly along with the army team,” said Sirajul Islam, the officer-in-charge, said. 

Hindu Temples In Bangladesh Receive Threats

According to the report, one leader disclosed a meeting was convened after the letters were received, during which several members of the Hindu community expressed a preference to forgo celebrations this year.

 “Our members are no longer interested. This year we have to stop the puja.” Daily Star quoted Shekhar Chandra Goldar, president, Kamarkhola Sarvajanin Durga Puja Celebration Committee. 

The letters also threatened that anyone who shares them with the authorities or the media would be "cut to pieces", the report stated. 

Bangladesh on High Alert

As the Durga Puja festival approaches, authorities in Bangladesh have announced enhanced security measures in response to concerns about potential violence against minority Hindu communities. The festival is scheduled to take place from October 9 to 13 and will be celebrated in 32,666 pavilions across the country. Md. Moinul Islam, the Inspector General of Police, emphasized the commitment to ensuring safety at the puja mandaps during a law and order and security meeting held at the Police headquarters' Hall of Pride on Monday.