Hindu temples in Bangladesh threatened to pay $4200 for celebrating Durga Puja

Several Durga Puja celebration committees in Bangladesh havereceived anonymous letters, demanding USD 4,200 (5 lakh Taka) to celebrate Durga Puja, Daily Star, a Bangladeshi English daily reported.

The letters delivered to these committees, also warned that failure to comply would result in severe consequences, adding that they will be 'chopped into pieces'.

"If you want to celebrate Durga Puja, every temple committee must pay 5 lakh Taka donation. If you fail to comply, you will not be able to celebrate... Ready the money within a week. Place the cash at the spot we specify later. Remember, if you inform the administration or Press, we shall chop you into pieces," the letter reads, according to Indian mediao houseABP.

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They further threatened to harm the families of the committee members. "We swear upon Allah, if we do not get the money, we shall chop you to pieces. We have eyes on you," the letter read.

Hindu community leaders criticise the move

The Hindu community leaders have raised concerns and some are also considering canceling Durga Puja festivities.

One of the community leaders said a meeting was held where many members expressed a desire to forgo the celebration, however, they decided to continue the puja.

Shekhar Chandra Goldar, president of the Kamarkhola Sarvajanin Durga Puja Celebration Committee of Dakop, said, "Our members are no longer interested. This year we have to stop the puja."

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Last week on Friday, representatives of four temples filed a general diary (GD) with the Dacope Police Station.

Officer-in-Charge Sirajul Islam said, "The GD was filed by four temples on Friday … We are investigating the matter... We are patrolling regularly along with the army team."

Other restrictions ahead of Durga Puja

Earlier this month, Bangladesh's interim government led by Muhammad Yunus asked Hindus in the country not to play musical instruments as part of Durga Puja celebrations during namaz and azan, the country's local media reports stated.

(With inputs from agencies)