The Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mohajote has urged the interim government to declare a three-day public holiday for Durga Puja and ensure heightened nationwide security to safeguard the country’s Hindu community during their largest annual festival.
Four Demands Ahead of Durga Puja
The demands were raised at a roundtable discussion on Friday (September 19) at the National Press Club in Dhaka, focusing on security and rights concerns for the Hindu community ahead of the upcoming Sharadiya Durga Puja, which begins September 28.
In a written statement, Palash Kanti Dey, spokesperson for the Mohajote, stressed that the main three days of Durga Puja—Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami—are filled with round-the-clock religious rituals. While the festival lasts five days, the government currently grants only two holidays. “We are requesting the Chief Adviser that from this year onwards, the government declare a three-day public holiday for Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami,” he said.
Security Concerns Highlighted
Palash expressed apprehension about potential violence during the 2025 celebrations. “There is a risk of attacks on temples across the country before, during, and after the festival. We urge the authorities to strengthen security nationwide,” he said.
The Mohajote placed four demands before the government:
- Declare a three-day public holiday for Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami.
- Strengthen security at all permanent and temporary temples, including the installation of CCTV cameras at government expense from 10 days before the Puja until its conclusion.
- Deploy army patrols during the festival, as was done last year, to prevent communal violence.
- Establish a central monitoring cell to ensure coordination and effective security measures nationwide.
Broad Political and Community Participation
The roundtable brought together figures from across Bangladesh’s political and religious spectrum. Notable attendees included BNP Chairperson’s adviser Aslam Chowdhury; Gono Forum acting president Subrata Chowdhury; Bangladesh Puja Udyapan Parishad president Basudeb Dhar; Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council acting general secretary Monindra Kumar Debnath; and Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jote president Shyamal Kumar Roy.
Speakers collectively underscored that Durga Puja is not only a religious festival but also a national cultural celebration, integral to Bangladesh’s pluralistic traditions. They argued that stronger recognition and security would affirm the equal rights of minority communities in the country.
A Test for Minority Protection
As the country prepares for Durga Puja 2025, the Hindu Mohajote’s demands serve as a reminder of the ongoing vulnerabilities faced by Bangladesh’s religious minorities. With thousands of temples—both permanent and makeshift—hosting the festivities, community leaders stress that security measures must be proactive rather than reactive.
Failure to act decisively, they warned, could undermine the spirit of the festival and deepen mistrust between communities. For many, the government’s response to these demands will be a litmus test of its commitment to religious harmony and minority rights.
