Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mohajote leaders have demanded a three-day public holiday during Durga Puja, covering Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami, the final and most significant days of the five-day Hindu religious festival.
They also called for enhanced security during Durga Puja, measures to prevent idol vandalism, installation of CCTV cameras at temples, and deployment of army patrols.
The demands were made on Friday during a roundtable discussion titled “Security during Durga Puja and concerns of the Hindu community,” held at the National Press Club in Dhaka.
Spokesperson of the Mohajote, Palash Kanti Dey, said that although Durga Puja is the largest religious festival for the Sanatan (Hindu) community and lasts for five days, the government currently grants only two days of public holiday. “As a result, many people are unable to fully celebrate the festival with their families or perform religious rituals. We urge the government to immediately grant a three-day holiday for Durga Puja,” he said.
Palash also expressed concern over potential violence during the festival. “In previous years, attacks on the Hindu community have occurred before and after Durga Puja. This year, incidents of idol vandalism have been reported in four districts,” he added.
At the press conference, speakers called for nationwide enhanced security measures during the Puja season. They demanded the government install CCTV cameras at its own expense at all permanent and temporary temples and increase security measures at least ten days before the festival begins.
The alliance also reiterated its demand for army deployment across the country during Durga Puja, similar to last year, and proposed the formation of a central monitoring cell to oversee security operations.
