Groups in Bangladesh Impose Restrictions on Durga Puja; Hindu Temples Face Threats and Vandalism

Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government and the establishment of an interim government led by Muhammed Yunus in Bangladesh, a surge of anti-Hindu incidents has emerged from the unrest in the region. Reports of attacks, harassment, and the desecration of Hindu temples have become increasingly common. In addition to these troubling events, Islamist groups are now imposing restrictions on the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations. Radical organizations have issued warnings to the Hindu minority, threatening them against publicly celebrating the festival, participating in idol worship, or holding immersion ceremonies as Durga Puja approaches. They are also protesting the national holidays designated for the festival. According to reports, recently extremist groups organized a march against the Hindu community for using a playground in Dhaka’s Sector 13.