The new interim government of Bangladesh under Muhammad Yunus has asked the Hindu community to avoid playing musical instruments as part of Durga Puja celebrations during namaz and azan, local media reports said.
Bangladesh's Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (retired) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday said that puja committees have been asked to turn off sound systems and avoid playing musical instruments during azan and namaz, adding that the organisers had agreed to the request.
Chowdhury was speaking to the media after reviewing law and order readiness ahead of Durga Puja at the Dhaka Secretariat.
Speaking to the media, Chowdhury said that a total of 32,666 puja pandals will be set up across Bangladesh this year, surpassing last year's number, which stood at 33,431.
The government's directive came weeks after attacks on the minority Hindu community in the country following student protests against quotas in education and jobs for the descendants of Bangladesh's freedom fighters, and the subsequent ouster of former Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina.
Since then, questions have been raised about the safety and security of the religious minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus.
When asked about attacks on religious places, including a recent incident at Shah Poran’s shrine, Lt. General Chowdhury said "I don't know anything about the attack on the Shah Poran shrine. However, it is my responsibility to ensure security so that no attack is launched. Law enforcers have been given directives in this regard".
Chowdhury further assured that security will be provided to Puja organisers from the time of the making of idols. "We have discussed how to ensure round-the-clock security at the puja mandaps. Measures will be taken to facilitate celebration of puja without any hindrance and prevent the evil activities of miscreants", he told the media.
Meanwhile, some steps taken by the Muhammad Yunus regime have raised eyebrows in India.
Days ago, Yunus's caretaker government banned the export of hilsa to India, which has created a shortage of Bangladeshi ilish (as the fish is known in Bengali) ahead of Durga Puja, and sent prices soaring.
The ban marked a departure from the long-standing practice of Bangladesh sending large consignments of Padma ilish to India, particularly West Bengal, during the festive season. It was a goodwill practice followed by Awami League leader and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
