Dhaka: Days after reports of protest by majority community against Hindus celebrating Durga Puja in Bangladesh surfaced, the Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman has assured them safety and peaceful celebrations.

"According to the instructions of the interim government, the Bangladesh Army has taken appropriate measures to ensure the safety of all during the celebration of the Durga Puja, the festival of Hindus, by keeping the law and order situation under control," General Waqar-uz-Zaman, Bangladesh Chief of Army Staff said.

Amid security concerns, Bangladesh's Hindu community might cancel Durga Puja festivities this year despite extra measures by the government. Anonymous letters demanding payment as 'tax' and threats to temples have heightened fears.

A large number of Hindu community members on Friday urged the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of Bangladesh that it should take appropriate measures to stop sectarian attacks, persecution, and extrajudicial attempts to kill under the guise of mob justice across the country.

Durga Puja celebrations got off to a rocky start in Bangladesh with the interim government and various Muslim bodies denying permission in several areas. The organising committees were also reportedly asked to maintain silence during Namaaz offerings and pay ₹5 lakh each as 'jizya'.

Bangladesh’s interim government and Muslim bodies have denied permission for Hindus to celebrate Durga Puja across the country citing poor security arrangements and threats. The puja committees have been asked to maintain silence during Namaaz offerings.

Dhaka/IBNS: Bangladesh's interim government and Muslim bodies have refused to grant permission to the Hindu community to celebrate Durga Puja amid the reports of vandalisation of Durga idols across the country,