Dussehra 2024: how Bangladeshi Hindus celebrate Vijayadashami amid “stifling” security

Dussehra 2024: Also known as Vijayadashami, the last day of Durga Puja is one of the most revered festivals by Hindus across the world. While India prepares for it with ‘Ramleela’ plays and massive rallies, its eastern neighbor Bangladesh celebrates the occasion by immersing Durga idols.

Durga idols are mostly immersed in the Icchamati River, which separates India from Bangladesh. Other festivities, such as ‘sindoor khel’, where married Hindu women offer vermilion to each other, and ‘Dhunuchi nach’ are also part of the Vijayadashami festivities.

Dussehra 2024: “Difficult” moment

Bangladesh’s festive mood, however, was marred by tight security measures amid increasing attacks on minorities.

Since October 1, 35 cases linked to the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations have occurred across the country, according to a report by Dhaka Tribune. Additionally, the chairman of a Durga Puja committee in Bangladesh also told the AP that violence was reported before the official start of Durga Puja festivities on October 9.

Supriya Sarkar, a Hindu teacher, shared her woes, calling the holidays in Bangladesh a “difficult” time. “We have also faced problems in the past, but we have not seen such escalation before. This is our country, we want to live here in peace with our Muslim brothers and sisters and others without discrimination or intimidation,” Sarkar was quoted as saying by AP.

Meanwhile, another Dhaka resident said she was happy with the security measures, but at the same time felt “suffocated”.

Bangladesh Inspector General Police (IGP) Md Moinul Islam had announced “three-tier security” ahead of the Durga Puja celebrations in September. However, attacks on Hindu minorities have intensified, according to reports.

In Dhaka’s Uttara district, Hindus were forced to hold Durga Puja at a smaller venue after a procession of Muslims called on authorities and did not allow them to install the idol of the goddess Durga in open spaces, AP reported.

Durga Puja: Border Force troops deployed in 22 districts

In 2021, at least four people were killed and several injured after some Hindu temples in Bangladesh were attacked during Durga Puja celebrations. The incident prompted the government to deploy a paramilitary force in 22 districts alongside Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) troops.