• Muhammad Yunus-led govt in Bangladesh asks Hindus to pause Durga Puja music during namaz, azan 

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    Muhammad Yunus-led govt in Bangladesh asks Hindus to pause Durga Puja music during namaz, azan 
    Chowdhury shared this directive during a media briefing at the Dhaka Secretariat, where he also reviewed law and order measures...

    Digital Desk: The interim government of Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, has issued a directive requesting the Hindu community to refrain from playing musical instruments during the Islamic prayers of namaz and azan as part of the Durga Puja celebrations. 

    Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (retired) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced on Tuesday that puja committees have agreed to turn off sound systems and avoid musical performances during these times. This move is aimed at maintaining communal harmony and respecting the religious practices of both communities.

    Chowdhury shared this directive during a media briefing at the Dhaka Secretariat, where he also reviewed law and order measures for the upcoming Durga Puja festivities. This year, 32,666 puja pandals will be established across Bangladesh, slightly decreasing from last year's 33,431.

    The directive comes in the wake of recent attacks on the Hindu community and religious sites, such as Shah Poran’s shrine, following political unrest and the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Chowdhury assured that enhanced security will be provided to puja organizers, including measures to prevent disruptions.

    Additionally, the new regime’s recent ban on hilsa fish exports to India has caused concern in India and raised questions about the Yunus administration's policies. 

    The export ban has led to a surge in prices of Bangladeshi ilish, affecting festivities in West Bengal, where the practice of importing Padma ilish during Durga Puja was a long-standing tradition under Sheikh Hasina’s government.