Why Hindus Are Unsafe in Bangladesh: 20 Incidents of Recent Attacks on Durga Puja Celebrations

Why Hindus Are Unsafe in Bangladesh: 20 Recent Incidents Targeting Durga Puja Celebrations

Regardless of whether democratic governance has prevailed in Bangladesh, the Hindu community has consistently endured violence, persecution, and genocide. Following the recent ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has witnessed a disturbing series of incidents aimed at Durga Puja celebrations, including attacks, vandalism, and harassment. Here are 20 recent occurrences that illustrate the ongoing threats faced by Hindus in the nation:

1. Bomb Attack at Durga Puja Pandal in Dhaka (October 11, 2024) 
   During Durga Puja festivities on October 11, petrol bombs were thrown at a pandal in Dhaka’s Tati Bazar, causing chaos and a stampede. Video footage showed an injured individual being transported to a hospital. Authorities are investigating the incident and considering legal actions.

2. Slogans of “Islamic Revolution” in Chittagong (October 9, 2024)
   In Chittagong, Islamic extremists infiltrated a Durga Puja stage, initially pretending to sing patriotic songs before chanting slogans calling for an “Islamic Revolution.” Though the administration initially downplayed the event, six youths were later arrested after a video went viral.

3. Vandalism at Durga Temple in Rajbari (October 8, 2024)  
   Unidentified attackers vandalized the Sajjankanda Modhapara Sarbojanin Durga Temple in Rajbari, damaging several idols of Hindu deities just before Durga Puja. The temple committee hesitated to report the incident but eventually informed authorities. The local police are working to identify the culprits.

4. Idol Destruction in Barisal (October 4, 2024)
   At the Shyampur Deuri Bari Sarbojanin Shri Durga Temple in Barisal, several idols were vandalized, including breaking the heads and hands of three idols, including Durga. The temple was unguarded, leading to calls for an investigation and increased security measures.

5. Idol Vandalism in Kishoreganj (October 3, 2024)  
   Seven idols were vandalized at the Durga Puja Mandap in Sri Sri Jeor Akhara, Kishoreganj, during the night. The local authorities, including the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, visited the site, and security was heightened across all 363 puja pavilions in the area.

6. Looting and Vandalism in Comilla (October 3, 2024)
   In Comilla, a newly crafted Durga idol was vandalized, and the temple’s donation box was stolen amidst rising tensions regarding Durga Puja celebrations under the interim government.

7. Attempted Arson in Sherpur (August 31, 2024)
   In Sherpur, vandals damaged a clay Durga idol and attempted to set it on fire, but the fire did not ignite. Local police arrived after the incident, but no arrests were made.

8. Destruction of Under-Construction Idols in Pabna (October 2, 2024)
   In Sujanagar, Pabna, three under-construction Durga idols were found vandalized. Local authorities are investigating the incident, while security has been intensified ahead of the festival.

9. Multiple Idol Attacks in Rishipara (October 1, 2024)
   Two separate incidents of vandalism targeted Durga idols in Sujanagar, Pabna, just before Durga Puja. Increased security measures followed these incidents.

10. Obstruction of Puja Pandal in Uttara (September 27, 2024)
    The Hindu community in Uttara faced resistance from radical Islamist groups while organizing Durga Puja, leading to protests and a change of venue for the festivities.

11. Idol Vandalism in Mymensingh (September 25, 2024) 
    A 22-year-old man was arrested for vandalizing idols at the Gobinda Jeor temple just before Durga Puja. The incident shocked the local Hindu community.

12. Extortion Threats in Khulna (September 22, 2024)
    Hindus in Khulna received threatening letters demanding payment for celebrating Durga Puja, warning of dire consequences if they reported the threats.

13. Government Restrictions Before Durga Puja (September 10, 2024)
    The Home Ministry ordered Hindu communities to halt Durga Puja rituals before the azaan and namaz, leading to widespread criticism and concerns about religious freedom.

14. Flood-Related Idol Vandalism in Kaligram (August 28, 2024)
    A madrasa student was arrested for vandalizing temples after claiming that disturbing videos prompted his actions.

15. Islamic Radicals Protest Durga Puja (Date Not Specified) 
    Radical Islamic groups have threatened Hindus against publicly celebrating Durga Puja, exacerbating fears within the community.

16. Theft of Crown Donated by PM Modi (October 10, 2024) 
    A gold-plated crown, offered to Goddess Kali during Prime Minister Modi's visit, was stolen from a temple, prompting an investigation.

17. Vandalism on Ashtami Day
    Extremists vandalized the idol of Goddess Durga at Ganpara Bishwas Bari Sarbojanin Durga Mandir, forcing a priest to conduct rituals using a banner instead.

18. Caught in the Act of Idol Vandalism in Raozan (October 8, 2024)
    An Islamist was apprehended while attempting to vandalize an idol at the Sarbojanin Shri Shri Durga Temple in Palpara.

19. Idol Vandalism in Rangpur (October 8, 2024)
    Local Hindus caught one of two perpetrators trying to vandalize idols in Putimari, Gangachara, while the other escaped.

20. Idol Vandalism in Chapainawabganj (October 6, 2024)
    Unfinished Durga idols were broken at Maa Bhavani Durga & Kali Mata Temple, further highlighting the ongoing hostility towards the Hindu community.

These incidents, ranging from vandalism and bomb attacks to government restrictions, illustrate the significant challenges and dangers faced by Hindus in Bangladesh, especially during crucial cultural and religious celebrations.