Five districts at high risk of sectarian violence: Sampriti Jatra

A Dhaka-based civic organisation, Sampriti Jatra, has identified 29 districts across Bangladesh as vulnerable to communal violence, with five classified as “high-risk” zones, ahead of the upcoming Durga Puja festival. 

The districts of Dhaka, Chandpur, Noakhali, Rangpur, and Jashore top the list, according to the group’s latest risk assessment.

The findings were unveiled at a press conference held Saturday, September 20, at the Dhaka Reporters Unity. 

Titled “Sampriti Jatra’s Call for the Protection of Mosques, Temples, Akhras, and Marginalised Communities: Risk Assessment and Actions Ahead of Durga Puja,” the event was attended by Ferdous Ara Ruby, Maha Mirza, Jamshed Anwar Tapan, Mir Hujaifa Al Mamduh, and other civil society representatives.

Risk mapping based on 10-year data

The organisation’s assessment draws on an analysis of incidents targeting Durga Puja mandaps, procession routes, and minority households across the country between 2014 and 2025. 

Of the 29 districts flagged as vulnerable:

5 are classified as “High Risk”: Dhaka, Chandpur, Noakhali, Rangpur, and Jashore

24 are categorised as “Medium Risk”

Attacks on shared spiritual heritage

Sampriti Jatra emphasised that Bangladesh’s national identity and constitutional values are rooted in communal harmony, pluralism, and a rich spiritual-cultural tradition. The group noted that akhras, Baul ashrams, dargahs, and Sufi shrines have historically served as centers of social cohesion and enlightenment.

“Recent years, however, have witnessed a disturbing pattern — these very symbols of unity are being systematically targeted,” the organization stated. “These attacks are not directed at any single community alone. They represent a direct assault on Bangladesh’s social fabric and constitutional order.”

Recent incidents highlight escalating threats

Citing media reports, Sampriti Jatra revealed that 80 shrines and dargahs were attacked between August 2024 and January 2025 — a six-month span marked by escalating intolerance.

Other cited incidents include:

Attacks on four shrines in Cumilla during Durga Puja preparations.

A horrific incident in Rajbari, where a body was exhumed from a grave and set ablaze.

“All marginalised groups religious minorities, Sufis, Bauls, and indigenous communities are now simultaneously under threat,” the organisation warned.

Election period heightens vulnerability

With national elections on the horizon, Sampriti Jatra issued a stark warning: historical data shows that violence against minority communities, their places of worship, homes, and businesses tends to surge before and after elections.

“The political climate intensifies existing fault lines. We urge authorities to deploy proactive security measures, community dialogue, and interfaith coordination — especially in the 29 identified districts — to prevent violence and uphold constitutional guarantees of equality and safety.”

The organisation called for immediate government intervention, community vigilance, and media responsibility to safeguard Bangladesh’s legacy of pluralism during this sensitive period.