Yunus Government Asks Durga Puja Committees to Switch off Sound Systems during Namaaz
NEW DELHI, Sept 12: The Muhammad Yunus interim government in Bangladesh has imposed restrictions on Hindus during the coming Durga Puja to avoid any possible unrest in the country.
The Yunus government has ‘requested’ the country’s Hindu community to halt their Durga puja-related activities, especially playing any musical instrument five minutes before azaan and during Namaaz.
“Such activities need to cease during offering Namaaz, and the pause will have to be followed from five minutes prior to azaan,” Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said.
The Home Affairs Adviser said the committees have accepted the government’s request and have agreed to keep musical instruments and sound systems switched off during azaan and Namaaz.
In addition to the sound restrictions, Chowdhury assured that the Hindu community would be provided with heightened security measures during the festivities. He stated that the government was also working to provide round-the-clock security at all puja venues, starting from the construction of the idols, to prevent any disruptions or criminal activities.
“We are committed to ensuring that the Durga Puja celebrations proceed without any hindrance,” Home Affairs Adviser said. Durga puja will be celebrated from October 9 to 13 and more puja pandals will reportedly be built this year in Bangladesh compared to 2023. Last year, the number of the puja mandap was 33, 431 and the number is likely to exceed this year.
Mr Yunus, in an address to the nation, called for communal harmony in the country. “We are a nation of communal harmony. No one shall do any act that destroys religious harmony,” he said. “Any person found violating this harmony will face strict legal consequences,” Yunus said.
In fact, the interim government on Sunday warned potential troublemakers ahead of Durga puja celebrations and pledged tough action against those disrupting communal harmony or targeting places of worship during the Hindu festival.
(Manas Dasgupta)
