By Major Delwar Hossain (Retd.)
A recent political upheaval in Bangladesh resulted in the end of Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year tenure in power. During this period, her government faced criticism for its handling of political dissent, resulting in the deaths of many individuals during protests. Following her departure, there were widespread reports of public anger, with some incidents involving violence against collaborators associated with her regime. Unfortunately, some members of the Hindu community were also affected, as were police personnel, due to perceived involvement in political and social unrest.
There have been concerns about the portrayal of these incidents. Some Hindu activists have raised allegations of minority persecution, but many have noted a lack of formal reports or detailed evidence, with no clear documentation of specific instances. It is important to recognize that Bangladesh has a history of religious harmony, with Hindus and Muslims contributing to the nation’s development. However, political tensions have sometimes impacted communal relationships, particularly during periods of unrest.
The Hindu community in Bangladesh has historically made significant contributions to the nation’s cultural and social fabric. Yet, amid political instability, fears of violence against minority groups tend to rise. In the current context, certain international actors, including the Indian government and media, have voiced concerns about the safety of Bangladesh’s Hindu population, calling attention to the need for careful monitoring of the situation.
Durga Puja: Key Areas of Concern
Durga Puja is the largest Hindu religious festival in Bangladesh, lasting nearly ten days. The main celebrations, Maha Saptami to Bijaya Dashami, will take place from October 10 to October 13, 2024, with over 32,000 Puja mandaps (pandals) set up across the country. Security measures will be critical during this period, especially during the vulnerable moments when idols are sculpted, prepared, and immersed in water at the end of the festival.
Potential Threats and Security Challenges
The primary concern is maintaining security during Durga Puja, as any violence or disturbances could exacerbate existing tensions. The challenge lies in ensuring adequate security coverage for the vast number of Puja mandaps, with limited personnel available. Protecting religious sites and public safety requires close coordination between law enforcement and community leaders.
Additionally, concerns exist regarding subversive activities by extremist groups, which could exploit the situation to create chaos. There is precedent for such incidents in other countries, where religious or communal tensions have been inflamed for political gain. Ensuring peace and order during the festival will be crucial for the stability of the country.
Measures to Enhance Security
To mitigate potential risks, the government should prioritize the installation of surveillance systems at key Puja venues, including CCTV cameras and drones for real-time monitoring. Ensuring an uninterrupted power supply is also vital to maintaining security during the festival. Close monitoring of borders and entry points is recommended to prevent the infiltration of external actors seeking to destabilize the situation.
Furthermore, political leaders and community representatives must collaborate to foster a peaceful environment, with clear communication on the importance of respecting all religious practices. Media outlets should also play a role in promoting balanced coverage and avoiding the spread of misinformation.
Recommendations for Violence Resistance Committees (VRC)
Local political parties are encouraged to organize Violence Resistance Committees (VRCs) to observe Puja mandaps and ensure public safety. These committees should consist of trusted members who can monitor developments and report suspicious activities. VRCs should operate discreetly, utilizing mobile phones to capture videos and photos of any incidents to provide evidence, if necessary. Organizing shift duties for continuous observation and maintaining communication within the community will be essential to ensuring that potential threats are swiftly addressed.
In conclusion, safeguarding Durga Puja celebrations is critical for maintaining peace and stability in Bangladesh. With appropriate security measures and coordinated efforts between the government, law enforcement, and communities, the risk of violence or subversion can be minimized.
