This year, the number of mandaps has risen to 33,355, up from 31,461 last year—reflecting growing participation despite tensions. Organisers said they have issued 22 directives for peaceful celebrations, which include involving local administrations, political leaders, student groups, and law enforcement in joint monitoring.
Zakir Hossain / Dhaka
Bangladesh’s Hindu leaders have alleged a fresh wave of attacks on Durga Puja mandaps and idols across 13 districts, just days before the country’s biggest annual Hindu festival begins on Sunday.
At a press conference held at the historic Dhakeshwari National Temple, the National Puja Celebration Council of Bangladesh and the Dhaka Metropolitan Sarbajanin Puja Committee demanded long-term protection for the community.
Jayanta Kumar Deb, president of the Metropolitan Committee, said: “Every year, attacks recur. Security cannot be ensured just for the five days of puja. If we truly want a discrimination-free Bangladesh, the guarantee must extend for all 365 days. Justice for past incidents has to be ensured so that criminals know they cannot act with impunity.”
Council president Bashudeb Dhar added that false rumours on social media—often about alleged disrespect to Islam—have sparked communal flare-ups for more than a decade. “This is not just about protecting temples, this is about ending a cycle of violence that keeps returning. The government has assured us of a tough stance, the Army has deployed, and the administration has promised full support. So, we are reassured but also cautious,” he said.
Officials said a “multi-layered security net” has been rolled out nationwide. Alongside police, elite Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) units and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed to vulnerable districts, particularly those bordering India. Army personnel will remain on standby to respond to any escalation.
This year, the number of mandaps has risen to 33,355, up from 31,461 last year—reflecting growing participation despite tensions. Organisers said they have issued 22 directives for peaceful celebrations, which include involving local administrations, political leaders, student groups, and law enforcement in joint monitoring.
Idol immersion is scheduled for October 2, with authorities promising “all necessary arrangements” to avoid disruption. Community leaders, however, warned that unless attackers face visible punishment, “the cycle of fear will not break.”