Bangladesh’s Controversial Order: Hindus Told to Pause Pujo During Muslim Prayers

Bangladesh’s interim government has issued a controversial directive, asking Hindus to pause their Durga Puja celebrations during Muslim prayer times. This decision comes amid rising tensions following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster and recent attacks on the Hindu minority in the country.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced that puja committees have agreed to halt activities, particularly the use of musical instruments, five minutes before and during Muslim prayer times. This year, 32,666 puja mandaps (pandals) are set to be erected across Bangladesh, with 245 in Dhaka alone.

Critics argue that this directive is unconstitutional and infringes upon religious freedom. The move has sparked outrage online, with many labeling it oppressive. As the Durga Puja festival approaches, scheduled from October 9 to 13, this decision could serve as a litmus test for Mohammad Yunus’s interim government.

The government claims this measure aims to maintain communal harmony, vowing to protect Hindu temples during the celebrations However, minority groups contend that the directive violates the constitution and hampers religious freedom.

As Bangladesh navigates this delicate situation, the world watches to see how the interim government will balance religious freedoms with its stated goal of maintaining peace and harmony in the country.

#BangladeshHindus #DurgaPuja2024 #ReligiousFreedom #CommunalHarmony #BangladeshPolitics