According to the Bangladesh Puja Celebration Council, Durga Puja will be held in 32,666 mandaps across the country including Dhaka this year. During Namaz and Azaan, Puja cover and microphone should be closed. It is also alleged that Islamist organizations have given various threats. In the meantime, the advisors and officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Religion have held meetings with various organizations including Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Parishad, Bangladesh Puja Celebration Parishad, Dhaka Metropolitan Public Puja Committee. It has also been assured that full and three-tier security will be provided during the Puja. Even then, the fear of the organizers of the puja is not over.
There have been allegations of persecution of Hindus and religious minorities in Bangladesh since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government in August. At this time, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad urged the government to take measures to prevent violence and vandalism of Durga idol. A human chain was formed in front of the National Press Club of Dhaka on Tuesday afternoon for this demand.
Bangladesh Women's Council President Fawzia Moslem said, 'People of all religions should have the freedom to observe religion and religious festivals from their respective rights. Every year when Durga Puja comes around, some people try to create an atmosphere of fear by vandalizing idols. Appropriate measures should be taken to stop it.'
The Home Affairs Advisor said, 'Durga Puja has been discussed to ensure that it can be uninterrupted. This year's puja will be uninterrupted. We are doing whatever is necessary for this.' He also said that appropriate security arrangements will be made so that no one can disturb or cause disturbance in the puja.
