United News of Bangladesh

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday (8th November 2025) cautioned that the recent actions of certain political parties, who once marched alongside the anti-fascist movement, may now be creating a situation that undermines the rights and opportunities of people. Virtually addressing the ‘Hindu Representative Council 2025’, he also said the interim government’s main responsibility is to establish a democratic administration through free and fair elections, not to serve any party’s interests. “The role of some of our allies in the anti-fascist street movement is perhaps creating a situation that could destroy the rights and opportunities of many people in the country, including yours and mine. If the country becomes unstable, it may pave the way for the rehabilitation of the fallen, defeated, fugitive fascist forces,” the BNP leader said. He urged the interim government and pro-democratic, anti-fascist forces to remain vigilant, suggesting that just as some opposition members once used covert strategies to survive under fascist rule, the defeated fascist forces might now be using similar secret tactics to obstruct the country’s path to democracy. “The defeated fugitive forces of August 5 should not be allowed to use any party as a cover to secretly create instability in the country. To protect against such covert tactics, the main strategy is to maintain and uphold a national anti-fascist unity,” Tarique said. He said BNP, therefore, remains committed to cooperation and understanding with the interim government and its partners in the anti-fascism movement. Matua Bahujan Samaj Oikya Jote arranged the programme at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh. Leaders and activists from different Hindu organizations and temple management committees attended the event. The programme began with the recitation of verses from the Hindu scriptures, the Vedas and the Gita, followed by the lighting of lamps by the guests. Describing BNP as a peaceful, tolerant and people-oriented political party, Tarique said respecting different views and maintaining a positive attitude towards differing parties and opinions is part of BNP’s political culture. “BNP’s politics is aimed at ensuring the people’s political and economic empowerment.” He urged the interim government to focus primarily on holding a free, fair and credible election to restore democracy in the country. “One of the main responsibilities of the interim government is to establish a democratic administration in a fascism-free Bangladesh — a government elected by the people and accountable to the people. Certainly, it is not the duty of this government to serve any party’s political interests,” the BNP leader said. “That is why, instead of putting pressure on the government, the BNP considers issuing notes of dissent in areas of differing opinions as the decent way,” Tarique added. Pointing at the Hindu community, he said the interim government has already announced that the national election will be held in February next year. “Through this election, you will freely exercise your right to vote and choose your representatives.” Read more: Hindu Mohajote seeks minority security, religious neutrality in electioneering Tarique assured that BNP has already outlined a detailed plan for building a harmonious and prosperous Bangladesh. He said if given the opportunity to form the next government, it will introduce ‘Family Cards’ for 5 million low-income families, to be issued in the name of the female heads of households, as part of its poverty reduction programme. Tarique said BNP also plans to provide ‘Farmers’ Cards’ to small and marginal farmers to help them gradually become economically self-reliant. Stating that one of the biggest problems in Bangladesh is the high rate of unemployment among the country’s vast youth population, the BNP leader said their party has already taken initiatives to provide the youth with various technical training and important language education, so they can become skilled workers and find jobs both at home and abroad.  “Through these initiatives, the BNP seeks the support of you and your families in the upcoming national election to build a democratic Bangladesh of harmony and prosperity — where every citizen, regardless of religion or background, can live with dignity, freedom, and equal opportunity,” he said. The BNP leader said only justice and the rule of law can ensure the security of people of the country, irrespective of their religion, class, or political identity. Referring to Bangladesh’s religious faiths and cultural diversity, he said, “The bond of unity within diversity is the true beauty of our nation’s cultural, social, and political life. In such a diverse society, the unifying force is Bangladeshi nationalism.” Talking about equal rights for people of all religions in Bangladesh, Tarique said, “As a citizen of Bangladesh, you have the same rights in this country as I do — neither more nor less.” He also assured the Hindu community leaders that their various demands would be met. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said their party wants to build a non-communal, progressive, prosperous, and democratic Bangladesh as dreamt by BNP founder Ziaur Rahman. He said the Matua community wants to live with dignity, and BNP wants to ensure that people of all communities can live in the country with equal rights and dignity, regardless of their caste or creed. Fakhrul sought the support of the Matua community members for BNP in the next national election, so the party can receive a mandate to form the government. Read more: Hindu Mohajot Natore unit's president found dead under mysterious circumstances

Hindus across the country celebrated Kumari Puja on the Maha Ashtami on Tuesday as part of the five-day Durga Puja. The main attraction of Maha Ashtami is Kumari Puja where a pre-pubescent girl is worshipped as “Mother Goddess”. In the capital city, hundreds of Hindu devotees offered Anjali (prayers) before the virgin Goddess at Ramkrishna temple seeking blessings for peace, prosperity, welfare, fraternity and changing of their lot. The worshipped girl symbolises the power that regulates creation, stability and destruction on earth.  

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Saturday extended heartfelt greetings to the Hindu community across the country on the occasion of Durga Puja, the biggest and most significant religious festival of the community. "On this auspicious occasion of Durga Puja, I warmly greet all Hindu citizens of Bangladesh," Prof. Yunus said in a message on the eve of the festival. He highlighted that the destruction of evil forces and the celebration of truth and beauty are the core themes of the Sharadiya Durgotsab. Emphasising Bangladesh’s tradition of communal harmony, Prof Yunus said, "This country belongs to all of us and is a safe abode for everyone, regardless of caste or religion." He urged all to unite beyond religious and caste differences to continue the progress initiated by the July mass uprising, aiming to build a prosperous, discrimination and corruption-free Bangladesh. "Bangladesh stands as a unique example of harmony among people of diverse religions and communities. We all identify as Bangladeshis, regardless of race, religion, or caste," he added. Prof Yunus expressed his hope that this year’s Durga Puja will be celebrated smoothly across the country, fostering communal harmony through enthusiasm and various cultural programmes. Stressing the shared values of peace, friendship and equality inherent in all religions, he said, "The fundamental teaching of all faiths is human welfare. While practising our own religions faithfully, we must also nurture peace by maintaining mutual respect, honor and compassion." The Chief Adviser urged all to uphold the spirit of anti-discrimination, strengthen communal bonds and work together to build a happy and harmonious Bangladesh. He wished peace, welfare and prosperity to all citizens of the country. The five-day Durga Puja will begin on September 28 with Mahasashthi and conclude on October 2 with Vijaya Dashami.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Saturday visited Dhakeswari Temple  in Old Dhaka to exchange greetings with the Hindu community on the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja, the largest Hindu religious festival in Bangladesh.                                                           He extended his greetings to the country’s all members of the Hindu community. Prof Yunus congratulates Nobel Peace Prize 2024 laureates Nihon Hidankyo Earlier, Prof Yunus said Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony. "Durga Puja is not only a festival of the Hindu community… it has now become a festival for all. The destruction of evil forces and the worship of truth and beauty are the main features of the festival," he said in a message on the occasion of Durga Puja. Reset Button: Prof Yunus didn't mean wiping out Bangladesh's proud history of 1971 Prof Yunus said the constitution of the country guarantees equal rights to the people of all religions and castes.  "This country belongs to all of us. This country is a safe home to all irrespective of caste and religion," he said. He wished for peace, wellbeing and prosperity of all the citizens of Bangladesh. The government has said that law enforcement agencies are sincerely focusing on the security concerns shared by the Hindu community.

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.

Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community, has began at temples and makeshift mandaps across the country amid due religious fervour and festivity. The 5-day celebration began with invocation of Goddess Durga on the day of Maha Shasthi. This year Durga Puja is being celebrated at 32, 666 mandaps across the country including 257 in the capital. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus greeted people of the Hindu community on the occasion of Durga Puja.  Extensive security measures taken for peaceful Durga Puja celebration: DMP Chief The government extended Duga Puja holiday by a day to facilitate its joyous celebration. Ahead of Durga Puja, security has been significantly ramped up nationwide. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Mainul Islam on Monday said that members of the Ansar and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will be on 24-hour duty at each mandap to ensure a safe and peaceful celebration. Durga Puja holiday extended by one more day During a press briefing at Dhakeshwari Temple today, the IGP emphasized that the Bangladesh Police, alongside other law enforcement agencies, are taking extensive measures to create a festive environment. The interim government has issued a set of instructions for the local administration and law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order situation during the Durga Puja celebrations across the country.

The Durga Puja holiday will now last four days, starting from Thursday. This extension comes as Friday and Saturday are already government holidays this month. A notification regarding this will be issued soon, according to Mahfuj Alam, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, who shared the information with reporters at the Dhakeshwari Temple on Tuesday morning. "This extra holiday has been granted to ensure smooth and joyous celebrations of the Durga Puja," he said. Apart from this, measures are being taken to ensure that the Buddhist community can celebrate the "Kathin Chibar Dan" smoothly, he added.  Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and leaders of the Hindu community, among others, were present at the press conference. Durga Puja around the corner; 257 mandaps set up in Dhaka The formal celebrations of Durga Puja begin on Wednesday, with the final day, Dashami, falling on Sunday, October 13. On Dashami, with the immersion of the idol, Durga Puja for the Hindu community will conclude. In light of this, Sunday has also been declared a government holiday. Altogether, the Durga Puja holiday this year will extend for four days.

Hindu community will celebrate Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the community, at 257 mandaps in Dhaka city this year. Durga Puja will begin on October 9 and end with the 'Bijoya Dashami' procession and immersion of the idols of goddess Durga in water bodies on October 13. Puja mandaps have been installed at Dhakeshwari National Temple, Ramkrishna Mission and Ashram, Banani, Kalabagan, Shakharibazar, Siddheswari Kali Temple, Ramna Kali Temple, Jagannath Hall at Dhaka University and other temples at Farmgate, and the historic areas of Shakharibazar and Tantibazar in Old Dhaka. The last minute preparations for the puja are going on in full swing, with artisans working to give finishing touch to the idols. Buyers from the community are thronging city markets, branded shops and shopping malls to grab their best outfit. Customers are gathering at traditional shops in Old Dhaka's Shakharibazar to buy essential items including shells, idol garments, bells, clay pots, earthen lamps, incense sticks, divine garlands, crowns, sarees, dhotis, panjabis, and various ornaments for the festival. Artisans give finishing touch to idols ahead of Durga Puja To prevent any untoward incidents during the Durga Puja celebrations, strict security measures have been taken nationwide. A central police control room will be set up at Dhakeshwari Temple compound to oversee the overall security of the mandaps in the capital. Following a visit to the national temple on Saturday, Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman said, “Everyone in this country has equal rights. Each person will practice their own religion. Everything necessary will be done for this.” He assured that the army will be present for security, encouraging attendees to visit the pavilions without fear. “We aim to create a enjoyable environment where everyone can celebrate the festival,” he said. Over 212,192 members of Ansar and VDP will be deployed across 32,666 mandaps across the country.   Moreover, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members will remain vigilant.  

With a few days left for the Hindu community’s largest religious festival Durga Puja, the last minute preparations are going on in full swing with painting and decorating the idols made by artisans at mandaps in Khulna. This year, a total of 991 mandaps will host the festival in Khulna district, including 101 in the city itself. However, the local administration says that this number may increase. The formal festivities will commence on Tuesday with the Mahashashthi rituals, and will end with the immersion of idols amid processions on Saturday next. Ahead of the puja, shopping malls are bustling with devotees shopping for the celebrations. Visiting several temples in the city, it was found that making idols is already over but now the artisans are painting and decorating them. Chandra Shekhar Mandal, an artisan from Assasuni in Satkhira, said that this year there are fewer mandaps compared to previous years, which has resulted in a reduced workload for him. Read: Interim govt issues guidelines for maintaining law and order during Durga Puja "We've received orders for only four idols this year. We've started the clay work 10-15 days ago, and now we're in the painting phase," he said. According to directives from the Ministries of Home Affairs and Religious Affairs, Ansar members will be on duty at every mandap throughout the festivities. Joint forces, including the army, navy, coast guard, and police, will beef up patrols in the lead-up to and during the festival days. Close-circuit cameras will be installed at the mandaps, and strict action will be taken against the spread of rumors or misinformation on social media. Idol immersion will end by 7pm, and musical instruments will be off during the times of the Azan and prayers. A control room will remain open round the clock a day. Read more: Narayanganj artisans passing busy time making idols for Durga Puja This year, of the 991 mandaps in Khulna, 101 are set in the city, 113 in Batiaghata, 214 in Dumuria, 107 in Terokhada, 155 in Paikgasa, 84 in Dakop, 63 in Dighalia, 34 in Phultala, 74 in Rupsa, and 46 in Koyra.

The Traffic Department of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has advised residents of some areas to start for early to beat possible disruptions due various street programmes on Sunday (July 07, 2024). In a press note on Sunday morning, it mentioned that a rally is scheduled to be brought out marking the Hindu community’s religious festival Ratha Yatra in the city and it will parade several roads of Dhaka. Read more: DMP to commuters: Leave for work early to avoid possible traffic jams Moreover, the city dwellers may face traffic jams due to some important events and ongoing anti-quota movement. Hence, the Traffic Department requested residents of Ramna, Motijheel and Wari areas to hit the streets with time in hand.