Celebrating Durga Puja

Firstly, there was an inexplicable game played by the official authorities through the media. We know through our national Puja bodies that around 19,000 mandaps were erected this year throughout the country. But the government claims that the number was 26,000. Why was there this need to misrepresent facts? Nineteen thousand is already the highest number in Bangladeshi history. The higher number is ridiculous and incredible.

Secondly, the two major political parties and their allied partners wreaked havoc on many hundreds of puja mandaps this year. Many prospective candidates, especially those in areas with significant Hindu voters, took it upon themselves to arrive, often unannounced, at the puja sites. With their large entourages, to engage in photo sessions, which they would use then to project an image with the electorate. I personally was at three different puja sites in Chittagong where I was witness to politicians entering with their large number of colleagues, shouting slogans, and often running onto the stage wearing shoes and disturbing the devotees and other visitors.

Do not misunderstand - our pujas are always known as "sarbajanin" - open to everyone. But, why should we have to drop everything and pose like animals at a zoo because those seeking our votes decide to come for a few minutes. Given the current environment, many, especially women and children, became very anxious when suddenly slogans were shouted and security men with guns started overrunning our stages. Also, if you would like our votes, please stand beside us during the five years between elections, when we are worried about electricity, education, health, price of essentials and security.

These are the worries of all Bangladeshis, and my request to all politicians irrespective of political party, is, don't come to our temples and try and segregate our concerns.