Dhaka: The interim government of Bangladesh, along with various Muslim organizations, has denied permission for the Hindu community to celebrate Durga Puja this year, citing security concerns amid reports of vandalism targeting Durga idols across the country.
Authorities have pointed to inadequate security arrangements and threats as the primary reasons for the refusal to allow the festival to proceed. Reports of vandalism have surfaced from several districts, including Comilla, Narail, and Kishoreganj, raising alarms within the Hindu community.
In Uttara, a region near the capital Dhaka, radicals have reportedly obstructed the celebration of the Hindu festival. Witnesses informed ANI news agency that radical Islamist groups organized human chains in sectors 11 and 13 of Uttara, protesting against the Durga Puja celebrations.
As tensions escalated in the area, local leaders from both Hindu and Muslim communities were called to a meeting with army and police officials to discuss the situation.
Last year, the Hindu community was able to conduct Durga Puja in a field in Sector 11 of Uttara. However, this year, worshippers faced opposition from nearby mosque attendees and madrasa students, who formed a human chain to prevent the celebrations.
In a related development, the interim government announced the recall of five envoys to India, marking a significant shake-up in its diplomatic appointments.