Jizya In Bangladesh? Hindu Temples Face Extortion Threats For Durga Puja Celebrations, Interim Government Promises Safety

Despite security assurances from Bangladesh's interim government for Durga Puja celebrations, radical Islamist groups have reportedly threatened Hindu temples and Durga Puja committees.

They are demanding extortion worth 5 lakh Bangladeshi taka, just like Islamic rulers used to implement jizya tax on their non-Muslim subjects to allow them to do their religious functions.

Durga Puja is the largest festival of the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh and will take place from 9 to 13 October, a couple of months after attacks on Hindus started in the country.

These threats have been concentrated in the Dakop area of Khulna district, where anonymous letters have been sent to various committees, warning that celebrations would be blocked unless payments are made.

Additionally, acts of vandalism, particularly targeting Durga idols, have been reported in different regions. On 22 September, students from a madrassa vandalised Durga idols in Raypur, Lakshmigonj district.

Similar incidents took place at the Phuljhuri Galachipa temple in Barguna district, escalating concerns within the Hindu community, already on edge due to recent attacks since Sheikh Hasina's ouster.

Kushal Chakraborty, president of the Sanatan Bidyarthi Sansad in Chittagong, voiced the fears of the Hindu population ahead of the festival.

"We are fearful. We’re trying to reach out to the government for protection. Idols have been vandalized in places like Faridpur, Khulna, and others. While we are preparing for Durga Puja, there is fear," he said.

Vivekanand Ray, a local Hindu leader from Sathkira district, echoed these concerns over the damage of idols and pandals by extremists.

"We are getting ready for Durga Puja, but it seems celebrating our biggest festival will be difficult this year, with the government watching from the sidelines and police not intervening," Ray said.

The Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council condemned the recent attacks on minority communities and called on the government, led by Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus, to take prompt legal action.

The council has also set up a six-member monitoring group to ensure the safety of minority communities during the festival. Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mohammed Mainul Hassan has assured of measures.

Earlier, Home Affairs Advisor Lt Gen (retd) Mohammed Jahangir Alam Chowdhury had assured security around puja mandaps but also directed them to turn off music during namaz and azaan times.