Dhaka: Hindu community leaders today announced in a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus that Durga Puja will be celebrated in over 1,000 more mandaps this year compared to last year. ‘The preparation for Durga Puja is going in full swing across the country,’ they informed as the Chief Adviser inquired about the arrangements for the largest religious festival of the country’s Hindu community.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting, held at the State Guest House Jamuna, was attended by several key figures including Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain, Adviser on Primary and Mass Education Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder, Vice Chairman of Hindu Religious Welfare Trust Tapan Chandra Majumder, and leaders of Puja Udjapan committees and different temple heads. The Hindu community leaders expressed gratitude to the interim government for their comprehensive support, specifically praising the Religious Affairs Adviser and the ministry’s secretary for their ongoing assistance and temple visits.
The leaders extended an invitation to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to visit the puja mandaps. Professor Yunus acknowledged the importance of this opportunity to engage directly with the community during the Puja celebrations. Additionally, the President of the Mohanagar Puja Udjapan Committee, Jayanta Kumar Deb, expressed special thanks to the Chief Adviser for the allocation of land at Khilkhet for a permanent Durga temple, describing it as a historic decision. The leaders also appreciated the two-day public holiday declared for Durga Puja.
Prominent figures such as Hindu Kalyan Trust Secretary Devendra Nath Uran, Principal of Ramakrishna Math and Mission Swami Purnaananda Moharaj, and Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad (BPUP) President Basudeb Dhar were present at the meeting. Basudeb Dhar recalled the Chief Adviser’s visit to Dhakeshwari Temple the previous year, highlighting a significant statement from Yunus emphasizing a desire for a country where worship does not require strict security measures. Dhar noted the encouragement this statement provided to the community.
SN Torun Dey, Secretary General of Bangladesh Hindu-Baudhha-Christian Kalyan Front, commended the Chief Adviser for promoting communal harmony during his tenure and expressed hope for continued welfare under his leadership. The Religious Affairs Adviser, Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain, emphasized the ministry’s commitment to representing all faiths and detailed ongoing initiatives, including temple construction in Tahirpur, Sunamganj, and support for various religious and social welfare programs.
The Chief Adviser extended his greetings to the Hindu community for Durga Puja and urged vigilance to prevent any conspiracies during the celebrations.