Bangladesh govt urges Hindu community to halt Durga Puja activities during azaan, namaaz

The interim government of Bangladesh has requested the Hindu community to temporarily pause Durga Puja-related activities, particularly the playing of musical instruments, five minutes before the call to prayer (azaan) and throughout the prayer times (namaz). As per a TOI report, Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury made the announcement on Tuesday ahead of the Durga Puja celebrations, which is the largest religious festival for Hindus in Bangladesh.

Chowdhury emphasised that puja committees must turn off musical instruments and sound systems during these prayer periods, and the committees have agreed to comply. This year, a total of 32,666 puja mandaps (pandals) will be set up across the country, including 157 in Dhaka South City Corporation and 88 in Dhaka North City Corporation.

While last year saw 33,431 mandaps, Chowdhury noted that this year's number is expected to surpass that figure, citing the Puja Celebration Parishad. He added that discussions have been held to ensure 24/7 security at the puja mandaps to prevent any "evil activities" by miscreants and to ensure the smooth celebration of the festival.


In a related address to the nation on Wednesday, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus underscored Bangladesh’s tradition of communal harmony, urging citizens to avoid actions that could disrupt religious peace. He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to maintaining a democratic Bangladesh and warned that those who take the law into their own hands and create disorder will face punishment.

Inputs from TOI