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Bangladesh's Hindus Celebrate Durga Puja Amid Rising Sectarian Violence

2024-10-12 11:43:48.088000

In Bangladesh, the ongoing sectarian violence has cast a shadow over the Hindu community's celebrations of Durga Puja, a significant festival for the country's over 13 million Hindus. Despite the turmoil, many are determined to celebrate, although the atmosphere is fraught with tension. Reports indicate that from August 4 to 20, there were 2,010 attacks against minority groups, leading to at least nine fatalities and four women being raped [d9190e16].

The violence in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, which began with the lynching of a Bengali man on September 18, has further escalated fears among ethnic minorities. This unrest has resulted in retaliatory attacks against indigenous communities, displacing numerous families and prompting student-led ethnic groups to initiate a blockade in several districts [d1ff08d4].

As the Durga Puja festivities unfold, the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has heightened security measures, including military involvement, to protect the celebrations and the Hindu community. However, incidents of vandalism and intimidation have been reported, raising concerns among community leaders about their safety and the growing political influence of hardline Islamist groups [d9190e16].

The interim government's response to the violence has included an investigation into the recent attacks, with Yunus expressing regret over the situation. This comes amid a backdrop of political instability following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which has further complicated the landscape of governance and security in Bangladesh [d1ff08d4].

As the Hindu community continues its celebrations, the juxtaposition of joy and fear highlights the fragile state of ethnic relations in Bangladesh, underscoring the urgent need for effective governance and conflict resolution strategies to ensure the safety of all communities [d9190e16].

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