34 cases of idol vandalism, temple attacks

Reports Puja Udjapan Parishad

Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad has reported 34 incidents of idol vandalism, attacks on temples and related violence ahead of Durga Puja, saying arrests have been made in 11 of the cases.

The Daily Star could not independently verify the claims.

“Security cannot be a concern for only the five days of Puja. We must ensure security for all 365 days of the year,” said Santosh Sharma, general secretary of the Parishad, at a press conference at Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka yesterday.

The incidents were reported in several districts, including Sylhet, Rajbari, Panchagarh, Netrokona and Tangail. The Parishad also reported attacks and looting targeting Hindu homes, shops and temples in Sunamganj.

A total of 33,851 pujas will be held across Bangladesh this year, including 258 in Dhaka city, down from 261 last year, the Parishad said.

The Parishad said it had issued 22 security guidelines to its district- and upazila-level units, including round-the-clock volunteer deployment, CCTV installation where possible, adequate lighting and firefighting equipment, and immediate reporting of incidents to authorities.

It welcomed a Tk 1 crore increase in the allocation for the Hindu Welfare Trust but reiterated its demand to transform the trust into a foundation. The organisation also called for year-round security for religious minorities and exemplary punishment for those responsible for attacks.

The Parishad reiterated its eight-point demands, including a minority protection law, a National Minority Commission and a three-day public holiday for Durga Puja.

The festival began with Bodhon yesterday, while Bijoya Dashami will be observed on October 21, with idol immersion scheduled for the same day.