Bangladesh Interim Government Urges Durga Puja Committees To Pause Music During Azaan And Namaz

Dhaka – The newly formed interim government of Bangladesh has requested the Hindu community to pause Durga Puja-related activities, particularly the playing of music, during the Islamic call to prayer (azaan) and namaz.

The directive was announced by Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury after a meeting on law and order ahead of the Durga Puja celebrations, the country’s largest Hindu festival.

Puja committees have been asked to switch off musical instruments and sound systems five minutes before the azaan and during namaz. According to Chowdhury, the committees have agreed to adhere to the government’s request.

“Such activities need to cease during namaz, and the pause will have to be followed from five minutes prior to azaan,” Chowdhury told The Times of India.

The law and order meeting also addressed security concerns, with Chowdhury emphasizing that around-the-clock security will be provided at the 32,666 puja mandaps being set up across the country.

Of these, 157 will be in Dhaka South City and 88 in North City Corporations, according to reports from Dhaka Tribune.

Chowdhury assured that security measures will be implemented starting from the preparation of the idols to ensure a safe and uninterrupted celebration. “We will take steps to prevent any malicious activities by miscreants,” he said, reassuring the public of a peaceful and secure Durga Puja celebration this year.