HighLights
  1. 34 incidents of temple vandalism reported in Bangladesh.
  2. Attacks on Hindu homes, shops before Durga Puja.
  3. Parishad demands year-round minority security and protection law.

The Bangladesh Pujo Udjapon Parishad has reported at least 34 incidents of idol vandalism, attack on temples and related incidents days before Durga Puja celebrations. The vandalism incidents were reported in multiple districts, including Sylhet, Rajbari, Panchagarh, Netrokona and Tangail. The Parishad also reported attacks and looting targeting Hindu homes, shops and temples in Sunamganj.

Addressing a press conference, Santosh Sharma claimed that security cannot be an issue for just the five days of Durga Puja. "We must ensure security for all 365 days of the year,” Sharma added. 

Security Guidelines Issued For Safety Of Temples

The Parishad committee stated that it had issued 22 security guidelines to its district- and upazila-level units, including round-the-clock volunteer deployment, CCTV installation where possible, adequate lighting and firefighting equipment, and immediate reporting of incidents to authorities.

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 Additionally, the organisation also welcomed a Tk 1 crore increase in the allocation for the Hindu Welfare Trust but reiterated its demand to transform the trust into a foundation. The organisation also called for year-round security for religious minorities and exemplary punishment for those responsible for attacks.

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The Parishad reiterated its eight-point demands, including a minority protection law, a National Minority Commission and a three-day public holiday for Durga Puja. The annual festivity started with Bodhon on Ponchomi, while Bijoya Dashami will be observed on October 21, with idol immersion scheduled for the same day.

Theft In Several Temples

The organisation said that  a theft had occured at a Kali temple in Faridpur, and attacks and looting of Hindu homes, shops, and temples in Sunamganj. It also mentioned a robbery in Naugaon, where the perpetrators allegedly posed as intelligence agency officers.

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