Hill Voice, September 26, 2025, Dhaka: No matter how much the worshippers are assured by the Chief Advisor, Army Chief, Home Affairs Advisor, and other high-ranking government officials about the smooth celebration of this year’s Durga Puja in a festive atmosphere, they are unable to remain hopeful considering the overall situation in the country on the eve of Durga Puja; rather, their fears and anxiety are gradually increasing.

In this context, the central committee of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad, a human rights organization against religious discrimination, signed by the acting general secretary of Oikya Parishad, Manindra Kumar Nath, said in a press statement today (September 26, Friday) that according to information received from all over the country from September 2, 2025, to September 23, 2025, at least nine incidents of attacks on puja pavilion and temples and vandalism of idols have occurred.

These incidents include:

Incident-1: On September 2, 2025, miscreants set fire to the Durga Puja idols in Hamindpur, Sadullapur, Gaibandha, in the dark of night. In this incident, the idols and equipment, including Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, and Ganesh, were completely burnt. The concerned Incharge of this puja pavilion committee, Prabhat Odhikar (01731-030834), confirmed the matter.

Incident-2: On September 10, 2025, idols were vandalized in the Kali temple at Aima Jhalai Maharani Dam in Panchagarh Sadar Upazila. In the morning, local devotees found the idols broken, which caused tension in the area. Police later arrested one person but claimed he was mentally unstable. This explanation has angered locals, who say such excuses are always used to protect the real culprits. With Durga Puja approaching, minority communities are feeling unsafe and have demanded strict punishment for those responsible. The incident was confirmed by Manik Chandra Roy (01768-887025), Incharge of the Puja Mandap Committee.

Incident-3: On September 14, 2025, around 8:15 pm, idols were vandalized at the Rakshakali Temple in Swarupdaha Palpara, Poradaha Union, Mirpur Upazila, Kushtia. Miscreants damaged the heads and hands of the Kartik and Saraswati idols, along with parts of the duck and peacock figures. The incident was confirmed by Amarendra Ghosh (01729-306881), incharge of the Puja pavilion Committee.

Incident-4: On September 16, 2025, two idols were vandalized at night at the Kandulia Kalibari Puja Mandap in Sadar Upazila, Netrokona. The incident was confirmed by Mithur Roy (01724-902857), incharge of the Puja pavilion Committee.

Incident-5: On September 17, 2025 (Wednesday), miscreants vandalized five to six idols that were being made at the Kashimpur Crematorium Temple in Gazipur Nagar. The idols were found broken in the evening after the craftsmen had finished their work in the afternoon. The incident was confirmed by Prabir Dutta (01715-561279), incharge of the Puja pavilion Committee.

Incident-6: On September 21, 2025 (Sunday), communal miscreants vandalized seven idols late at night at a Puja temple in the Tariapara area of Sarishabari Municipality, Jamalpur. CCTV footage helped identify one accused, Habibur Rahman (35), who has since been arrested. The incident was confirmed by Professor Ramesh Chandra Sutradhar (01717-705905), Incharge of the Puja pavilion Committee.

Incident-7: On September 21, 2025, idols were vandalized during a dispute over the location of the Madhupur Sri Sri Rakshakali and Durga temples in Rajarnagar Union, Sirajdikhan, Munshiganj. Around 10–12 miscreants, including Chanchal and Abu, sons of the late Matin of Madhupur Nayanagar village, entered the temple and broke the idols. In the attack, Swapan Das, Ranjit Das, Balram Das, and others were injured. The incident was confirmed by Dhiren Das (01922-853306), incharge of the Puja pavilion Committee.

Incident-8: On September 23, 2025 (Tuesday), a miscreant named Md. Manjer Biswas (50) vandalized six idols at the Haritala Sarvajanin Puja Temple in Fulhari village of Shailkupar, Jhenaidah. The incident was confirmed by Bikash Kumar Biswas (01740-895912), Incharge of the Puja pavilion Committee.

Incident-9: In the early morning of September 23, 2025 (Tuesday), miscreants vandalized an idol at a temple in Tentulia Union, Tala Upazila, Satkhira. The incident was confirmed by Harekrishna Das (01715-296737), incharge of the Puja pavilion Committee.

In addition, there have been reports of disturbances related to Durga Puja in several districts, including Chittagong, Kurigram, and Chapainababganj. These repeated incidents have created deep fear and anxiety among worshippers, and there is growing concern that more violent attacks may occur in the coming days of the festival.

The Oikya Parishad has called on the government and administration to take strict action to ensure law and order during the Durga Puja festival and to protect the minority community in this vulnerable time.