Schoolteacher Supriya Sarker expressed mixed feelings as she joined the celebrations of Bangladesh's largest Hindu festival, Durga Puja. The weeklong festivities culminating in the immersion of the Hindu Goddess have been overshadowed by reports of vandalism, violence, and intimidation targeting the Hindu community in the Muslim-majority country.
Despite assurances of safety, this year's Durga Puja celebrations have been subdued following the political upheaval and attacks on minority groups, particularly Hindus. The interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has faced challenges in maintaining law and order since taking office in August, with Durga Puja serving as a test of its ability to protect minorities.
