In a move aimed at maintaining religious harmony, Bangladesh’s newly formed interim government has requested the Hindu community to adjust Durga Puja celebrations in consideration of Islamic practices. The directive calls for a temporary halt to music and loud activities during azaan (the Islamic call to prayer) and namaz (prayer) times.
Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, the home affairs adviser, announced this guideline following a law and order meeting ahead of Durga Puja, the largest Hindu festival in the country. “Puja committees have been asked to keep musical instruments and sound systems switched off during prayer times,” Chowdhury stated. He added that these committees have agreed to comply with the directive.
The pause in activities is expected to begin five minutes before the azaan and continue through the prayer period. This adjustment aims to ensure a peaceful environment for all religious practices during the festival.
According to Dhaka Tribune, this year will see a total of 32,666 puja mandaps (temporary structures for worship) across Bangladesh. This is a slight increase from last year’s 33,431 mandaps. Dhaka South City will host 157 mandaps, while North City Corporations will have 88.
Chowdhury also reassured that comprehensive security measures will be in place throughout the festival, starting from the preparation of the idols. “We have discussed how to ensure round-the-clock security at the puja mandaps. Measures will be taken to facilitate the celebration of puja without any hindrance and to prevent the evil activities of miscreants,” he said.
In a separate address, the interim government’s chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus, emphasized the importance of communal harmony. “We are a nation of communal harmony. No one shall do any act that destroys religious harmony,” Yunus was quoted as saying by The Times of India. He warned against any attempts to disrupt peace, stating, “No one should take the law into their own hands. If someone takes the law into his own hands and creates a chaotic environment in society, we will definitely bring him under punishment.”
This directive and the accompanying security measures reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and harmonious environment during the Durga Puja festivities.