To celebrate Durga Puja, Hindus in Bangladesh overlook worries about possible attacks.

In Bangladesh, the Hindu community celebrated Durga Puja, their biggest festival, amidst heightened security following political turmoil in the country. Durga Puja is a vibrant and joyful event, marked by prayer, dance, music, and the creation of elaborate idols of the goddess Durga, which are later immersed in water. This year, the celebrations were particularly significant as they occurred after the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a student-led revolution, which saw her fleeing to India in August after 15 years in power.

Hasina’s regime had been criticized for widespread human rights abuses, including the detention and killing of political opponents. After her removal, some members of the Hindu community were targeted, as they were perceived to have supported her government. However, the new caretaker government, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, condemned the attacks and expressed solidarity with the Hindu community. Yunus himself visited the Dhakeshwari temple in Dhaka to mark the occasion, calling it an “auspicious” event.

Despite initial concerns about security, especially after isolated incidents of violence, the festival proceeded with tight police protection, especially in the capital city of Dhaka. Devotees like Sourav Das, who came with his family, expressed relief that the situation seemed under control. However, there were concerns about rural areas, where insecurity remains higher.

Leaders of the Hindu community, like Kajol Debnath, emphasized the inclusive nature of the festival, noting that people from different religious and political backgrounds had come together to organize and celebrate. The spirit of unity was a key theme, with the hope that the festival would continue to be an event that brings people together, transcending religious divides.