Forty citizens and human rights activists in Bangladesh have issued a statement urging authorities to ensure a safe and peaceful environment for the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations, and legal action against those attempting to create communal unrest through intimidation and incitement.
鈥榃e know that Durga Puja, the largest festival of the Hindu community in Bangladesh, began with Mahalaya on October 2 this year,鈥� the statement said. 鈥楢ccording to the government, the festival will be celebrated in 32,460 mandaps across the country. Traditionally, the people of Bangladesh have lived together peacefully, regardless of their religion. Every religious community must have the right to observe its festivals freely and securely.鈥�
The signatories expressed concern over recent years鈥� increasing tensions during Durga Puja, pointing to incidents where false accusations of religious disrespect led to violence and vandalism of puja venues. They condemned efforts to incite violence by spreading fabricated stories on social media and attacking minority communities.
鈥業n some areas, we鈥檝e already received reports of idol desecration and attacks on temples. Additionally, a faction with anti-minority sentiments has published an unauthorized list of restrictions on Hindu worshippers, dictating what they can and cannot do during the puja. This is both illegal and immoral,鈥� the statement continued.
The group urged the government to take firm action against those responsible for spreading unrest and inciting violence before any incidents escalate.
鈥榃e believe the government will fulfill its promise of ensuring peace during this festival. However, we demand that anyone involved in creating tensions or promoting violence be dealt with legally, and the masterminds behind these actions be identified and prosecuted,鈥� the statement added.
The signatories warned that the public would not tolerate any attempt to disrupt the country鈥檚 social harmony and called on citizens, regardless of political or religious affiliation, to remain vigilant and take united action against communal violence if necessary.
The signatories of the statement include Anu Muhammad, Sultana Kamal, Iftekharuzzaman, Khushi Kabir, ZI Khan Panna,聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Parveen Hasan, Subrata Chowdhury, Sara Hossain, Giti Ara Nasreen,聽聽聽聽聽 Samina Lutfa, Sumaiya Khair, and Robaet Ferdous, among others.