Durga Puja: Hindu Leaders Demand Year-Round Security, Not Just Five Days

Leaders of the Mohanagar Sarbojanin Puja Committee and Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad emphasized that the Hindu community seeks an end to attacks on idols and temples during the upcoming Sharadiya Durga Puja, the largest Hindu festival, starting September 28.

At a press conference held yesterday at Dhakeshwari National Temple auditorium in Dhaka, they reported vandalism incidents in 13 districts even as Puja preparations continue. Law enforcement acted swiftly, arresting the accused in these cases.

Jayanta Kumar Deb, president of Mohanagar Sarbojanin Puja Committee, stated in a written statement, “If we want a discrimination-free Bangladesh, security for the five days of Puja is not enough; we need security for all 365 days.”

Basudev Dhar, president of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, highlighted that many Hindus face fabricated cases, urging the government to withdraw these to ensure their participation in the festival.

Subrata Chowdhury, adviser to the Puja Udjapan Parishad, demanded legal punishment for those vandalizing idols and temples. The leaders also requested that metro rail services extend until 11:00 PM during Puja to ease movement for devotees.

According to the Puja Udjapan Parishad, this year’s Puja will be celebrated at 33,355 mandaps nationwide, up by 1,894 from last year, with 259 mandaps in Dhaka city, an increase of seven.