Hindu leaders meet PM, want 3-day Durga Puja holiday

Leaders of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad have urged the Prime Minister to declare at least three days of public holiday for Durga Puja, alongside a series of other demands concerning the rights and welfare of the Hindu community.

The demands were raised during a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Cabinet Division on Thursday, April 2.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the organisation’s General Secretary Santosh Sharma said the discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere and that the Prime Minister listened attentively.

“He listened to all our concerns patiently and assured us that solutions would be addressed in phases,” Sharma said.

Key demands highlighted

The organisation presented a wide range of proposals aimed at safeguarding minority rights and strengthening institutional support, including the amendment and proper implementation of the Vested Property Act, establishment of a foundation in place of the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust, enactment of an endowed property law, formulation of a Minority Protection Act, creation of a separate ministry for minority affairs, formation of a Minority Commission, and the declaration of at least three days of public holiday for Durga Puja. 

Justice, representation issues

The organisation also called for the withdrawal of what it described as false and harassing cases filed against members of the Hindu community after August 5.

It further demanded proportional representation of minorities in all sectors of national life and justice for incidents of killings, looting, and vandalism allegedly triggered by misinformation spread on social media.

According to Shantosh Sharma, the Prime Minister assured that these issues would be addressed gradually, including steps toward ensuring accountability for such incidents.