Published 13:56 IST, September 12th 2024
'Pause Durga Puja Activities During Namaz, Azaan': Bangladesh Govt to Hindu Community
Bangladesh's new interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has urged the Hindu community to avoid Durga Puja-related music activities during namaz, azaan time.
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Dhaka: Bangladesh 's new interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has urged Hindu community to avoid playing musical instruments as part of Durga Puja celebrations during namaz and azaan, as per local media reports.
Bangladesh 's Home Affairs Adviser, Lieutenant General (retired) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, anunced on Tuesday that puja committees have been instructed to turn off sound systems and refrain from playing musical instruments during azaan and namaz, and organisers have agreed to request. "Such activities need to cease during offering namaz, and pause will have to be followed from five minutes prior to azaan," Chowdhury added.
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Speaking after reviewing law and order readiness ahead of Durga Puja at Dhaka Secretariat, Chowdhury added that 32,666 puja pandals will be set up across Bangladesh this year, slightly fewer than last year's 33,431. Of se, 157 mandaps will be in Dhaka South City and 88 in rth City Corporations.
Chowdhury also assured that security measures will be in place from idol-making st through Durga Puja festival. "We have discussed how to ensure round--clock security at puja mandaps. Measures will be taken to facilitate celebration of puja without any hindrance and prevent evil activities of miscreants," Chowdhury had said local media.
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This directive follows recent attacks on Hindu community amid political unrest and concerns about safety of religious mirities in Bangladesh . Regarding a recent incident at Shah Poran’s shrine, Chowdhury stated, "I don't kw anything about attack on Shah Poran shrine. However, it is my responsibility to ensure security so that attack is launched. Law enforcers have been given directives in this regard."
government’s directive also comes against backdrop of recent actions by Muhammad Yunus administration, which has banned export of hilsa to India. This ban has led to a short of Bangladeshi ilish in India and increased prices, disrupting a long-standing practice of sending large consignments of Padma ilish to India during festive season.
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Earlier on Wednesday, Yunus in his speech to nation said, "We are a nation of communal harmony. one shall do any act that destroys religious harmony."He said government is determined to shape a democratic Bangladesh so that "we don't fall into hands of a dictatorship".
" one should take law into ir own hands. If someone takes law into his own hands and creates a chaotic environment in society, we will definitely bring him under punishment," Yunus added.
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13:56 IST, September 12th 2024