Civic platform “Sampriti Jatra” has stated that 29 districts across the country are at risk of communal violence surrounding the upcoming Durga Puja. Among these, the five most high-risk districts are Dhaka, Chandpur, Noakhali, Rangpur, and Jashore.
They presented their findings at a press conference held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Saturday. The event, titled “Samprity Jatra’s Call for the Protection of Mosques, Temples, Akharas, and Marginalized Communities, and a Review of Risks and Necessary Actions for the Upcoming Durga Puja,” was attended by Ferdous Ara Rumi, Maha Mirza, Jamshed Anwar Tapan, Mir Hujaifas, and others.
The organisation reported that by analysing incidents of attacks on puja pavilions, processions, and minorities in various regions of the country over the past 10 years (2014–2025), 29 districts have been identified as risk-prone. Among these, five districts, including Dhaka, are at the highest risk, while the remaining 24 are at moderate risk.
With the message that “the foundation of Bangladesh’s history and state consciousness is built on communal harmony, coexistence, and spiritual-cultural traditions,” Sampriti Jatra stated, “Akharas, Baul gatherings, dargahs, and Sufi shrines have illuminated people’s minds and society through the ages. However, in recent years, these traditional centres have increasingly become targets of violence.”
The organisation noted that these attacks were not directed against any single community but rather struck at the very heart of the country’s social cohesion and constitutional order.
As recent examples of attacks, Sampriti Jatra cited incidents of idol vandalism before the puja and attacks on four shrines in Cumilla. Additionally, the citizen organisation highlighted brutal incidents such as the exhumation and burning of a body in Rajbari.
Citing various news sources, they reported that from August 2024, after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster and departure from the country, to January 2025, at least 80 shrines and dargahs were attacked within six months.
Expressing heightened concerns due to the upcoming national parliamentary election, the organisation warned everyone to remain vigilant. Referring to past experiences, Sampriti Jatra claimed that the risk of violence multiplies before elections. Before and after elections, the homes, businesses, and places of worship of minorities have previously been easy targets for attacks.
Regarding this, Sampriti Jatra called for vigilance not only from law enforcement agencies but also from citizens.
