September 27, 2024: As Durga Puja draws near, tensions in Bangladesh are escalating, with radical Islamic groups calling for restrictions on the Hindu festival celebrated by the country’s minority community. Insaf Keemkari Chhatra-Janta, a radical organization, staged a protest in Dhaka's Sector 13, opposing the use of a local playground for Durga Puja celebrations that have occurred there for years.

The protestors, holding placards with slogans such as “No worship anywhere by closing roads” and “No pollution to water by idol immersion,” presented a 16-point list of demands. They argued that the festival contributes to environmental damage, misuses government resources for religious activities, and disrupts public order.

The group specifically targeted the national holiday status of Durga Puja, arguing that the Hindu community, comprising only about 2% of the population, should not be afforded such recognition. They asserted that the celebration creates inconvenience for the Muslim majority and called for a halt to support for the festival based on religious grounds.

The rising tensions reflect a broader struggle in Bangladesh, where religious minorities have faced increasing challenges amid a growing tide of radicalism. As Durga Puja approaches, the Hindu community is now caught in a precarious situation, facing pressure from extremist factions while striving to celebrate their traditions safely and peacefully.