In Bangladesh, the newly established interim government has called on the Hindu community to suspend Durga Puja festivities, especially any music, during the times of azaan and namaz.
Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, the home affairs adviser, emphasised that puja committees have been directed to turn off all musical instruments and sound systems during these times and have agreed to comply. He also mentioned that the pause in the activities should be followed 5 minutes before the azaan timings.
According to the reports, Chowdhury stated, “Such activities need to cease during offering namaz, and the pause will have to be followed from five minutes prior to azaan. ”
This announcement followed a meeting addressing the country’s law and order situation in preparation for Durga Puja.
Chowdhury noted that there were 33,431 puja mandaps last year, and the number is expected to surpass this year. He also promised that security measures would be in place throughout the festival, beginning with the creation of the idols.
