Accra:Police have determined that there is no evidence of a conspiracy behind the 34 incidents reported ahead of Durga Puja, which included idol damage, vandalism, and clashes. These incidents were not orchestrated to disrupt communal harmony or target religious minorities.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Bangladesh Police made this announcement on their official Facebook page following media reports that highlighted concerns raised by the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and the Mahanagar Sarbojanin Puja Committee. These concerns involved alleged attacks and vandalism at temples at 34 locations before the Durga Puja festival.
The police conducted a field-level investigation and attributed the incidents to various causes such as internal leadership disputes, theft by habitual criminals, disagreements over government fund distribution, accidental damage, and acts by individuals considered mentally unstable. Examples from Narayanganj, Mymensingh, Pabna, Thakurgaon, and Tangail were cited to support these findings.
In Narayanganj, a demon figure's hand was accidentally damaged during unloading for installation at a Durga Puja Mandap. In Mymensingh, a family dispute over betel nuts led to stone-throwing, damaging a Ganesh idol. In Pabna, a mentally unstable woman tore a pavilion canopy. Thakurgaon saw a violent clash between ISKCON and Sanatan community members over idol installation. Another Thakurgaon incident involved a grant dispute escalating into a fight. In Tangail, a disagreement over idol placement led to a physical altercation.
The police acted swiftly, taking legal actions, arresting suspects, recovering stolen property, and maintaining security at Puja venues. They emphasized that despite the incidents, Durga Puja was celebrated peacefully at over 33,000 mandaps across Bangladesh with public participation and enthusiasm. The investigation found no deliberate efforts to undermine the festival or target communities.