JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has strongly condemned the ‘deliberate’ disruption of religious harmony at the JM Sen Hall Puja Mandap on Thursday (October 10). In a statement, the rights body says that six members of the Chattogram Cultural Academy, ‘linked to the Islamic fundamentalist party Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’, infiltrated the Durga Puja celebration under false pretenses. After deceptively obtaining permission to perform patriotic songs, they ‘audaciously’ staged an Islamic musical performance in the middle of the dance show. JMBF demands the immediate arrest of those involved in this act and calls for exemplary punishment through a transparent legal process. The rights body insists that the perpetrators must face the full force of the law for ‘inciting division and undermining religious freedom’. 3 arrested for disrupting puja at Tantibazar with explosive  Robert Simon, prominent French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, said that this blatant act of disrespect during Durga Puja is not only an insult to Hindu beliefs but also an attack on the principles of religious tolerance. “Such actions during a significant religious festival for Bangladesh’s Hindu minority are utterly reprehensible and must not be tolerated in a society that values pluralism and peace.” Advocate Shahanur Islam, human rights lawyer and Founder-President of JMBF mentioned that this incident highlights the ongoing challenges facing religious minorities in Bangladesh. “We urge political and community leaders to condemn this attack on religious harmony and work towards fostering mutual respect and unity.” JMBF urges the government and law enforcement agencies to ensure that the minority Hindu community can conduct their religious activities without fear or interference. “It is the state’s responsibility to provide a safe environment where all citizens can worship freely.” Religious freedom is a cornerstone of any civilized society and any infringement upon it must be met with swift and decisive action. JMBF stands in solidarity with the Hindu community and all minorities in Bangladesh striving for their right to worship and live in peace.  

Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanom said on Thursday night that the authorities would arrest six youths within 48 hours who took the stage at a puja mandap and sang two songs, including an Islamic one, claiming they would only sing a patriotic song. “No matter who they are and how powerful they are, they will be arrested within the next 24 to 48 hours,” she said while visiting the JM Sen Hall Puja mandap. Durga Puja celebrations in Dhaka draw crowds amid tight security measures A group of six youths disrupted the puja stage at JM Sen Hall, the largest puja mandap in the port city, and sang two songs, which angered the Hindu community, who were peacefully celebrating Durga Puja. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media, with some claiming that the offenders were Shibir members, although the identities of the youths have yet to be confirmed. Hindus celebrating Puja peacefully: Home Adviser “We can’t take it lightly. This is a heinous act. We are trying to identify them through proper authorities,” Bangladesh Puja Celebration Committee, Chattogram Finance Secretary Sukanta Mohajan Tutul told UNB at the puja venue. He mentioned that the youths initially informed the Puja Committee members that they would sing a patriotic song but instead sang two Islamic songs. Tutul added that they had identified the individuals as members of the Chattogram Cultural Academy. Rumour Scanner, an independent Bangladeshi fact-checking website that debunks fake news, myths, and misinformation, confirmed that the viral video was real and unedited. DC Farida Khanom criticised the person in charge of the stage at the time, stating that they did not perform their responsibilities properly. She also urged the Puja Celebration Committee to take action against the person responsible for managing the stage. “Bangladesh is a country of religious harmony. This is a festival for all. We have taken all necessary preparations to ensure peaceful celebrations of the festival,” she said. Puja Committee President Ashish Bhattacharya said the incident was hurtful and assured the local administration that they would suspend the person who was in charge of the stage. Speaking to UNB, Tutul explained that they arranged cultural functions in two sessions and that the incident took place during the first session. CA's Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir, Assistant Press Secretaries Nayem Ali and Shuchismita Tithi, and senior government officials visited the site and talked to the Puja Committee members. President of the Chattogram Cultural Academy, Selim Jaman, claimed that the Puja Committee had invited them to perform. About 2,000 police personnel were deployed in the city to ensure security during Durga Puja. In Chattogram, Durga Puja is being celebrated at 2,458 locations, including 293 puja mandaps in the city and 2,165 in 15 upazilas of the district. Earlier, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus extended greetings to all members of the Hindu community in the country and reiterated that Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony.

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. "We know that Durga Puja, the largest festival of the Hindu community in Bangladesh, began with Mahalaya on October 2 this year," the statement said. "According 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." The signatories expressed concern over recent years' 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.  Artisans give finishing touch to idols ahead of Durga Puja 2 hours ago "In some areas, we've 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," 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.  Foolproof security measures taken for Durga Puja: Army Chief 3 hours ago "We 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," the statement added. The signatories warned that the public would not tolerate any attempt to disrupt the country’s 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: 1. Anu Muhammad, Professor, Jahangirnagar University 2. Sultana Kamal, Human Rights Activist 3. Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director, TIB 4. Khushi Kabir, Coordinator, Nijera Kori 5. Adv. Z.I. Khan Panna, Senior Lawyer, Bangladesh Supreme Court 6. Parveen Hasan, Vice Chancellor, Central Women's University 7. Adv. Subrata Chowdhury, Senior Lawyer, Bangladesh Supreme Court 8. Barrister Sara Hossain, Honorary Executive Director, BLAST 9. Giti Ara Nasreen, Professor, Dhaka University 10. Samina Lutfa, Professor, Dhaka University 11. Dr. Sumaiya Khair, Professor, Dhaka University 12. Robaet Ferdous, Professor, Dhaka University 13. Dr. Khairul Islam Chowdhury, Professor, Dhaka University 14. Zobaida Nasreen, Professor, Dhaka University 15. Tasneem Siraj Mahbub, Associate Professor, Dhaka University 16. Mirza Taslima Sultana, Professor, Jahangirnagar University 17. Adv. Tabarak Hossain, Senior Lawyer 18. Dr. Shahidul Alam, Photographer 19. Rehnuma Ahmed, Writer and Researcher 20. Nasreen Khondokar, Anthropologist and Human Rights Activist 21. Shamsul Huda, Executive Director, ALRD 22. Saeeda Gulrukh, Journalist 23. Dr. Shahnaz Huda, Professor, Dhaka University 24. Adv. Salma Ali, Executive Director, BNWLA 25. Adv. Minhajul Haque Chowdhury, Lawyer, Bangladesh Supreme Court 26. Rozina Begum, Researcher and Rights Activist 27. Maidul Islam, Associate Professor, Chittagong University 28. Dr. Swapan Adnan, Visiting Professor, London School of Economics and Political Science 29. Manindra Kumar Nath, Joint General Secretary, Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council 30. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director, Coast Trust 31. Nova Ahmed, Professor, North South University 32. Zakir Hossain, Chief Executive, Citizens Initiative 33. Adv. Saidur Rahman, Chief Executive, MSF 34. Barrister Ashraf Ali, Lawyer, Bangladesh Supreme Court 35. Barrister Shahadat Alam, Lawyer, Bangladesh Supreme Court 36. Adv. Nazmul Huda, Lawyer, Bangladesh Supreme Court 37. Adv. Md. Azizullah Emon, Lawyer, Bangladesh Supreme Court 38. Dipayan Khisa, Human Rights Activist 39. Hana Shams Ahmed, Indigenous Rights Activist 40. Muktasree Chakma, Rights Activist and researcher.    

Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Hindus, began on Saturday, with the incarnation (bodhon) of the Goddess in temples across the country.But no celebration was seen in a Mandap in Dinajpur's Khansama upazila, rather the Hindus of this area are protesting by hoisting black flags instead of drumming and cheering, demanding the arrest and punishment of the killers of a woman who was murdered after rape.The incident took place at Kumarpara Sarvajanin Puja Mandap in Tongua of Bhervedi union. Read: Durga Puja fervour grips BangladeshSixty-four days back, a housewife named Upobala was killed after rape on her way home.A case was filed but no one was arrested in this connection, said Dhiman Das, President of Khansama Upazila Puja Celebration Committee.The case is now under investigation by the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), he added.Anant Kumar Roy, who joined the protest programme, said that they will not celebrate any religious festival with fanfare in the mandap until justice is done for Upobala's murder.Another protester, Nripendra Nath Roy said they boycotted their main festival only for getting justice for Upobala. Instead of celebrating Puja, they are holding a protest programme by hanging banners with anti-violence slogans on the entrance of the mandap titled 'Stand united against communal evil'.

On the occasion of Durga Puja in 2022, mobile financial services provider Nagad has come up with a cashback or discount of up 20 percent in three categories at over 50 brand outlets. They will enjoy cashback or discount on Nagad payments in the lifestyle, e-commerce, and restaurant categories, according to a media statement. Customers may receive up to 20 percent instant cashback in the lifestyle category while shopping from brands such as Baby Shop, Top Ten, Rise, K Kraft, Anjans, Raw Nation, Rang Bangladesh, Bishwa Rang, Sailor, Cat's Eye Limited, and Sara Lifestyle. Read Mastercard credit card bill payment: Nagad offers up to Tk 400 cashback They will receive the cashback if they make the payment at selected merchant outlets using Nagad Merchant QR or Nagad Merchant Pay options. Also, they can enjoy up to 50 percent discount on online shopping while making payment through SSL Gateway. The offer is available at online brands in various categories, including apparel, furniture, and electronics. It will be valid till October 5. Nagad is also offering up to 20 percent instant cashback on payments at selected sweets and food stores.  Read Durga Puja fervour grips Bangladesh Besides Durga Puja shopping, customers can enjoy this offer at many restaurants, including Well Food, Classic Sweets, Banglar Sweets, Cake Story, and Banker's Cafe and Restaurant. The cashback or discount offer on Nagad payments will be available till October 30.

Installation of CCTV cameras have been made compulsory at all puja mandaps ahead of Durga Puja to ensure security, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said. Durga puja will be celebrated across the country from October 1 to October 5 and this year there will be 32,168 Puja mandaps across the country, he said while talking to reporters after a meeting held at the Secretariat over law and order situation for ensuring smooth celebration of Durga Puja. Talking over the security arrangement, Asaduzzaman, said, “We have taken decisions to ensure security at the puja mandap and additional forces of law enforcement agencies will be deployed as per necessary.” Also read: Shahjahanpur murders: Perpetrators not to be spared Besides, Durga Puja organisers have been told to deploy volunteers to ensure security. The authorities concerned have been asked to provide wristbands to volunteers with which police can identify them. Ansar members will be deployed and arrangements will be taken for them. Replying to a question about untoward incidents that happened in Cumilla last year, during Durga Puja, the minister said, “If we think that there is a need to take special security measures then we’ll definitely go for it. Security personnel will patrol the big mandaps.” Read The struggle for Bangladesh's secular soul Besides, the patrolling team will also take steps to prevent stalking, drug use and any untoward incident at the mandaps, he said. People have been asked to make emergency phone calls to 999 to avail any kind of services from the law enforcement agencies, he added. Referring to the traffic congestion, Asaduzzaman, said steps will be taken to ensure smooth traffic management and a team will keep monitoring social media and rumours, and take action. Read No doubt govt behind communal violence: Fakhrul He also urged the authorities concerned to arrange two gates for female and male visitors.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid has said Bangladesh belongs to everyone and it will not bow down to fundamentalist forces. "People from all castes and creeds shed blood to liberate this country," he said in a Facebook post with a picture showing an arson attack in a Puja venue. Also read: No religious excesses, says PM Hasina Published from his verified Facebook account, it said, "We don't want to see this kind of picture. Such a picture is heart-breaking and insulting." “It is the high time to resist them,” he added.  

India has acknowledged the "prompt" steps from the government of Bangladesh with additional deployment of security forces following the reports of vandalism in some Hindu temples and Durga Puja venues. "We note that the government of Bangladesh has reacted promptly to ensure the control of the situation, including the deployment of law enforcement machinery," Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi told reporters in New Delhi on Thursday. He said they also understand that the ongoing festive celebrations of Durga Puja continue in Bangladesh with the support of government agencies and of course, a large majority of the public. The Indian High Commission in Dhaka as well as its Missions outside Dhaka are in close contact with the authorities in Dhaka and at local levels over the matter, Bagchi said. Read: Hasina calls for hunting down culprits of Cumilla incident The Spokesperson said they have seen some "disturbing reports of untoward incidents" involving attacks on religious gatherings in Bangladesh. While visiting Puja venue at Karwan Bazar Media Para, both police and members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were seen while both Muslims and Hindus were seen at the venue together. Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said anyone involved in the attacks on Hindu temples and Durga Puja venues in Cumilla will not be spared. Also read: Cumilla incident: DIG says offenders to be hunted down "The incidents in Cumilla are being thoroughly investigated. Nobody will be spared. It doesn't matter which religion they belong to. They’ll be hunted down and punished," she said on Thursday.

With the fragrance of Shiuli ( the flowering night jasmine) in the air, autumn has spread the word - goddess Durga is coming among the mortals once again, sparking the celebrations unique to the biggest Hindu festival - Sharadiya Durga Puja. But in Bagerhat this year, the puja will be a bit bland without the famous Shikdar Bari’r Puja celebration, that is always a grand affair full of hundreds of idols gathered on a single stage. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the elaborate puja celebrations organised by the Shikdar family have been suspended for a consecutive second year. Instead a 'Ghot Puja' (worshipping an urn symbolising the goddess) will be held to maintain the religious traditions and formalities. Tarun Dash said, “This news broke the hearts of local worshippers like me, as for a year we were waiting in hope for the spectacular Shikdar Bari’s puja.” “The scene on the mandap used to be so surreal. It almost felt like all the deities had really landed among human beings,” said Nikhil Chandra, another local. The legend of Shikdar Bari’s Durga Puja In 2011, Dr Dulal Krishna Shikdar in his ancestral home at Hakimpur village in Bagerhat Sadar upazila started a grand celebration of Durga puja garnishing 251 idols. His motive for the grand puja was to make society aware of the significance of worshipping deities according to sanatana dharma (traditional religion, or Hinduism). Read: Security beefed up for Durga puja celebration: DMP Commissioner

The Hindus in the country will celebrate the Mahalaya, the auspicious occasion heralding the advent of goddess Durga. Mahalaya that is considered as ceremonial invocation of goddess Durga is observed seven days prior to the initiation of the Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community. Hindus believe the earth prepares itself and welcomes the coming of the Goddess and her children, through the celebration. Also read: Durga Puja: Covid crumbles market for Kurigram artisans Durga Puja will begin on October 11 with different rituals on the day of Maha Shashthi. MahanagarSarbajanin Puja Committee has arranged special programmes of Mahalaya at Dhakeshwari National  Temple. On this day, Hindus remember and pay homage to the deceased ancestors by performing a puja, and offering Brahmins clothes, food and sweets in their name. Also read: Durga Puja: PM donates Tk 3 crore