Bangladesh restricts Durga Puja celebrations, Hindus asked to pay ‘Jizya’ tax and maintain silence during Namaaz
The situation for Hindus in Bangladesh has sharply deteriorated in recent months. Following the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina’s government, Islamists have seized control, leading to increasing violence and intimidation against the Hindu minority. While the interim government claims to provide support, these assurances are mere rhetoric designed for media consumption. The reality reveals a harrowing narrative of daily persecution for Hindus.
This year, the impending Durga Puja, the most important festival for the Hindu community, hangs in the balance due to escalating security concerns. Despite government pledges of enhanced safety, Hindu leaders across various regions are contemplating canceling the festivities. They face ongoing threats, including anonymous letters demanding payments and issuing severe warnings to temples. Reports indicate that organizers have been instructed to pay a “jizya” tax while being silenced during Namaz.
Temples Attacked & Durga Idols Vandalised In Bangladesh
A newly-constructed Durga idol was vandalised and the donation box of the temple was looted in the Comilla district, while in the Narail district, a Durga temple in Mirapara was attacked. pic.twitter.com/pELH4iLZSn
— RT_India (@RT_India_news) October 3, 2024
Lies and False Promises
The government continues to tell the world that it is protecting religious minorities. It assures the international community that Hindus will remain safe during important festivals like Durga Puja. However, these assurances have become mere formalities. On the ground, Hindus face daily harassment, threats, and physical violence.
Many are now considering canceling Durga Puja celebrations due to security concerns. Hindu temples in regions such as Dakop, and Khulna, have reported receiving anonymous letters. These letters threaten severe consequences unless the temples pay a hefty sum of 5 lakh takas as a ‘tax'(Jizya).
Leaders of puja committees have reported that the safety of their members is at risk. Threats have become so severe that some temples have already backed out of organizing any events. “Our members are no longer interested,” temple leader, Shekhar Chandra Goldar of the Kamarkhola Sarvajanin Durga Puja Committee, stated, explaining why his temple would not celebrate Durga Puja this year.
Growing Islamist Influence After the Coup
Since the Islamist coup that overthrew Sheikh Hasina, the government has effectively been taken over by radical Islamic groups. These groups have a history of targeting Hindus through forced conversions, violence, and vandalism of religious sites. As a result, the future for Hindus in Bangladesh looks bleak. With Hasina’s removal, the influence of these radical elements has only grown stronger.
Around 5000 Puja Mandapams across Bangladesh are not performing Durga Puja. Fascist Yunus has emerged as a threat to Bangladesh's minorities.#SaveBangladeshiHindus pic.twitter.com/NcarUYbwmU
— Voice of Bangladeshi Hindus 🇧🇩 (@VHindus71) October 2, 2024
The new government’s attempts to downplay the persecution of Hindus have raised concerns across the world. Diplomatic circles have been aware of the Islamists’ growing control, but choose to ignore it so international pressure has not been enough to curb their persecution of Hindu Minorities. Despite these challenges, the Bangladesh government continues to deny responsibility.
Vandalism and Tax Demands
Recent reports have surfaced from districts like Comilla and Narail, where Maa Durga idols have been vandalized, and temples have been attacked. In some cases, temples have been looted. The demands for ‘jizya’ tax—a reference to the historic practice of non-Muslims paying a tax for protection under Islamic rule.
These actions are deliberate attempts to break the spirit of the Hindu community, already suffering from societal exclusion and religious oppression.
Social media has also contributed to the threats against Hindus, with videos surfacing that criticize Durga Puja celebrations. This has further escalated fears, especially in light of past incidents where Hindu religious symbols were vandalized.
#Bangladesh: #DurgaPuja celebrations will not be allowed echoed through the streets of #Dhaka, Bangladesh, as tensions rise around the festival. pic.twitter.com/CWSL8ASfY3
— Lawstreet Journal (@LawstreetJ) September 28, 2024
Temple committees in various regions have now filed complaints with local authorities, but the response has been weak. Police investigations are slow, and protection remains inadequate. The promises of increased security for Hindu festivals have done little to reassure the community. The rise in anonymous threats has only heightened fear, with many leaders believing the government’s support is superficial.
Also Read: Bangladesh’s Restrictions on Durga Puja during Namaz: Hindus Treated as Cattle?
A Bleak Future for Hindus in Bangladesh
The future of Bangladesh’s Hindus is uncertain. With the increasing influence of Islamists and the collapse of the Hasina government, the country’s protection of its minorities is quickly eroding. The formal help that the government claims to offer is nothing more than a media strategy to avoid international criticism. In reality, Hindus face threats and discrimination every day.
As Durga Puja approaches, the Hindu community in Bangladesh faces a difficult choice: celebrate under threat or cancel the event altogether. Either way, their safety remains at risk, and the government’s hollow promises only deepen their sense of abandonment.