The Bangladesh National Hindu Alliance on Friday put forward a four-point demands, including a three-day public holiday, ahead of Durga Puja.
These demands were presented at a press conference held at Jatiya Press Club. Key figures present there included alliance president Prabhas Chandra Roy, executive secretary Palash Kanti Dey, chief coordinator Sonali Das, and executive president Sudhanshu Chandra Biswas.
The speakers highlighted that the largest religious festival for the Hindu community, Durga puja, was set to begin on October 9. The festival represented unity and celebration for the entire Bengali nation. The community engaged in five days of religious activities, with the main days of worship being Shaptami, Ashtami, and Navami. It required significant commitment and adherence to religious customs.
They noted that the Hindu community faced discrimination during Durga puja as there was only one government holiday during the five-day celebration. It prevented many from fully participating in the festivities and sharing the joy of the occasion with family.
They urged the chief adviser to declare three days of public holiday for Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami.
The speakers also reflected on past experiences, stating that incidents of vandalism against idols had occurred in various districts before and after the festival. As a result, the Hindu community was increasingly concerned about the security of puja pandals and their establishments this year.
They called for enhanced security measures, including the installation of CCTV cameras at all permanent and temporary temples at government expense, as well as ensuring security by government forces during the puja.
They also demanded establishment of a minority protection law and a minority commission and deployment of military personnel at all puja mandaps during the Puja.