look news india
Amidst the major political and social changes in Bangladesh, this time’s Shardiya Durga Puja festival has become very special and sensitive not only from the religious point of view but also from the political and diplomatic point of view. On the sacred and holy occasion of Mahanavami, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) working president Tarique Rahman is going to take a big and historic step. With an aim to strengthen the sense of security and trust within the country’s minority Hindu community, Tariq Rehman himself will visit various major Durga Puja mandaps and meet devotees.
Following the violent incidents, coup and political instability that took place in Bangladesh in recent months, there was an atmosphere of fear, insecurity and uncertainty among the minority Hindu community there. In such a critical period, the top leader of BNP directly reaching the puja pavilions and standing with the people of Hindu society is being considered as a very positive and relieving message.
Since the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh, many incidents of targeting of houses, business establishments and temples of Hindu minorities have been reported from different parts of the country. These incidents not only horrified millions of Hindus living within Bangladesh, but neighboring India and global human rights organizations also expressed deep concern over it. Ever since the interim government and political parties took over the reins of the country, the biggest challenge has been to ensure the safety of the minority community and bring law and order back on track.
As soon as the Shardiya Navratri and Durga Puja festivals started, there was a fear whether the devotees would be able to offer prayers without any fear. In this background, the BNP leadership felt that instead of limiting itself to statements, it has become extremely important to come down to the ground and establish direct communication with the minority community and assure them of all possible security.
Senior BNP leaders and local workers have made extensive preparations for this special tour to be organized on the day of Mahanavami. Tariq Rahman will attend the most prominent, historic and crowded puja mandapas in and around Dhaka. There he will meet the officials of puja committees, priests and common devotees and wish them a happy Mahanavami and Vijayadashami.
The matter is not limited only to the visit of the top leader, but BNP has also instructed its grassroots youth and student organization workers to be deployed as security guards outside all small and big puja mandaps across the country. BNP workers, along with the local administration and police, are keeping a round-the-clock vigil to thwart any attempt by any anti-social element or fundamentalist forces to spoil the atmosphere.
This initiative of Tariq Rehman cannot be seen as limited only to internal politics, but it also has deep diplomatic and international significance. Relations between India and Bangladesh have always been directly linked to the status and security of the minority Hindu community there. After the departure of Sheikh Hasina, BNP is trying its best to present itself as a responsible, inclusive and democratic alternative.
Tariq Rehman’s visit to Durga Puja pavilions and promise to protect the rights of Hindus is an attempt to send a clear message to New Delhi and the global community that there will be no compromise with the rights of minorities in the future BNP government. This step can prove to be an important milestone in melting the ice in India-Bangladesh relations and restoring diplomatic trust between the two countries.
The visit of Tariq Rehman and the steps taken by BNP workers to protect the pavilions have been welcomed by local Hindu organizations and puja committees. However, many sociologists and experts believe that this foundation of trust will be strengthened only when this harmony is not limited to festivals only but becomes a permanent part of the governance and law and order of the country.
This presence of political leaders amidst the beats of drums and the sound of shankha resonating in the Durga Puja pavilions on Mahanavami gives hope for the beginning of a new, peaceful and inclusive era in Bangladesh. The common citizen of the country is now hoping that this religious festival will be conducted in a fear-free environment and every citizen in Bangladesh, irrespective of his/her religion, will be able to feel completely safe and respected.