Bangladesh Durga Puja: 17 arrested amid rising security concerns for Hindu minority after vandalism, theft incidents

At least 17 persons have been arrested by Bangladesh Police, and about a dozen cases have been registered following a spate of 35 incidents related to Durga Puja celebrations across the country since October 1, police said.

The development comes amid growing concerns about the safety of the Hindu minority during the five-day festival. The latest security concerns follow the theft of a hand-crafted golden ‘mukut’ (crown), gifted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, from the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in the southwestern Satkhira district, PTI reported.

The Indian High Commission has expressed concern, urging Bangladesh to recover the stolen item and protect Hindu religious sites during the celebrations.

Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement condemning the attacks on Hindu temples and mandaps in Bangladesh, describing the events as “deplorable” and part of a systematic pattern of desecration. “We have noted with serious concern the attack on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka, and the theft at the revered Jeshoreshwari Kali temple at Satkhira,” the MEA said.

“These are deplorable events. They follow a systematic pattern of desecration and damage to temples and deities that we have witnessed over several days now. We call upon the Government of Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship, especially during this auspicious festival time,” the statement further read.

Durga Puja, which began with Maha Shasthi on Wednesday, will conclude on Sunday with the immersion of Durga murtis. The Hindu minority in Bangladesh, comprising about 8 per cent of the population, has faced multiple incidents of vandalism, including attacks on businesses, properties, and temples, following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Moinul Islam, who visited the Banani Puja Mandap in Dhaka on Friday, stated that the country is witnessing Durga Puja celebrations at over 32,000 mandaps nationwide. He confirmed that 11 cases had been filed, 24 general diaries (GD) registered, and 17 people arrested for incidents related to the festival.

Islam reassured the public that the authorities have identified those responsible for these disruptions and will take strict action against any further malicious activities during the celebrations. “Anyone involved in these disruptions will be brought to justice,” he said.