From forced retirement of officer to threats over Durga Puja, Hindus continue to suffer in Bangladesh

As the political situation in Bangladesh becomes more volatile, the Hindu community continues to face increasing challenges. Reports indicate that Hindus are suffering in various ways, ranging from forced retirements of Hindu officials to alarming threats against the celebration of Durga Puja. The plight of minorities in Bangladesh appears to be worsening under the current conditions.

According to a report by CNN-News18, Indian intelligence is monitoring the developments closely and remains in contact with key officials in the Bangladeshi government.

"Our mission in Dhaka is watching these developments, and we are in touch with senior government functionaries of Bangladesh. These demands are unwarranted. The Muhammad Yunus government is responsible for the spread of this hatred against Hindus immediately after Sheikh Hasina's departure," sources informed the news outlet.

"This is concerning us, and we will take up the matter with concerned authorities," the sources added.

Hindu officer forced into retirement

One of the latest incidents highlighting the discrimination faced by Hindus involves Devdas Bhattacharya, a top officer from the 1997 batch of Bangladesh Civil Services and the Additional Inspector General of Bangladesh Police. Bhattacharya was forced into retirement, allegedly because of his religious background. Reports suggest that Bhattacharya had faced several hurdles earlier in his career during the BNP Jamaat regime, having been denied promotion on three occasions for being Hindu.

Additionally, a disturbing attack occurred over the weekend when 74-year-old Hindu freedom fighter Khagendra Nath Pramanik was attacked in his home in Gobindaganj Upazila, Gaibandha. The elderly man, who is well-respected and has no known enemies, was attacked with a sharp weapon.

Anonymous threats target Durga Puja celebrations

In a separate yet related incident, Hindus preparing for the upcoming Durga Puja have received anonymous threats demanding large sums of money. According to ABP News, these letters threatened that unless 5 lakh taka (approximately INR 5 lakh) was paid by each Durga Puja committee, the festivities would not be allowed to proceed.

The letters reportedly sent by Islamic extremists also threatened severe consequences if the demands were not met or if the situation was reported to the media. "If you want to celebrate Durga Puja, every temple committee must pay 5 lakh Taka donation. If you fail to comply, you will not be able to celebrate... Ready the money within a week. Place the cash at the spot we specify later. Remember, if you inform the administration or Press, we shall chop you into pieces," one such letter read.

Furthermore, these letters claimed the extremists had control over both the military and the administrative apparatus of Bangladesh.

In a separate development, local media reported that Bangladesh's interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has imposed restrictions on Hindu communities, instructing them to refrain from playing musical instruments during Durga Puja when namaz or azan is being conducted.

Hindu leaders speak out against the situation

Hindu community leaders have expressed deep concern over these developments, and some are considering the possibility of canceling Durga Puja celebrations altogether. According to WION, leaders discussed their options, with many members feeling reluctant to proceed with the celebrations given the threats.

Shekhar Chandra Goldar, president of the Kamarkhola Sarvajanin Durga Puja Celebration Committee in Dakop, stated, "Our members are no longer interested. This year we have to stop the puja."

On Friday, representatives from four temples lodged a general diary (GD) with the Dacope Police Station. Officer-in-Charge Sirajul Islam confirmed that the matter was being investigated, and security patrols were being stepped up.

Government steps up security for Durga Puja

Amid growing concerns over the safety of Hindus during Durga Puja, the Bangladeshi government has heightened security. Inspector General of Police Moinul Islam, in a statement to ANI, announced a three-tier security system to protect Durga Puja pandals. These measures will remain in place until the immersion of the idols.

Moinul Islam also assured that any Puja committee facing threats could dial emergency services via the 999 number. Furthermore, plainclothes officers, crisis response teams, and SWAT units will be on standby throughout the celebrations.

Attacks on Hindus following Sheikh Hasina's ouster

Following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid student-led violence, Bangladesh's minority Hindu population faced attacks, including vandalism of businesses, property destruction, and the desecration of Hindu temples. These incidents followed unprecedented anti-government protests, which culminated in Hasina's resignation on August 5 and her subsequent flight to India.

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Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus clarified that the violence was not communal but rather a result of political upheaval, as many perceive that most Hindus supported Hasina's now-deposed Awami League government. Hindus, once 22% of Bangladesh’s population during the 1971 Liberation War, now make up around 8% of the 170 million citizens and have historically backed the Awami League for its secular stance.

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