What Is ‘Jizya’? Tax Demanded From Hindus In Bangladesh For Organizing Durga Puja

Durga Puja festivities in Bangladesh have faced significant hurdles this year, with the interim government and various Muslim organizations reportedly restricting celebrations in several areas. Organizing committees were allegedly instructed to remain silent during the time of Namaaz and were asked to pay hefty sums, referred to as ‘jizya’, amounting to ₹5 lakh. These challenges come amid multiple reports of idol vandalism and looting of Hindu temples across the country.

According to a report by The Daily Star in late September, many Durga Puja committees received threat letters demanding ৳5,00,000 if they wished to proceed with the festival. Hindu temples in the Dakop region of Khulna filed police complaints after receiving these intimidating letters.

In another development, The Dhaka Tribune reported that the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, advised Durga Puja organizers to turn off musical instruments and sound systems during the time of Azaan and Namaaz. This directive came after a law and order meeting, where Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury emphasized the need for communal harmony during religious festivities.

What Is Jizyah Tax

Jizyah is a historical tax imposed on non-Muslims (dhimmis) living in Islamic states. It was levied in exchange for protection and exemption from military service. Non-Muslim citizens who paid jizyah were allowed to practice their religion, receive state protection, and were exempt from Zakat, the tax required from Muslims. The tax amount varied depending on the region, the individual’s financial status, and the ruling authority. Although rooted in Islamic law, jizyah was mostly abolished in the 19th century as part of modernization and legal reforms in various Muslim-majority countries.

Violence Against Hindus

Since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August, violence against minority communities has reportedly surged in Bangladesh. The new administration has attributed many of these incidents to political unrest rather than communal tensions. Nonetheless, authorities have cited security concerns and external threats as reasons for restricting this year’s Durga Puja celebrations.

Despite these challenges, officials assured that the festival would proceed. Mohammed Touhid Hossain, Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor, reiterated that Durga Puja, a long-standing tradition in the country, would not be entirely disrupted. “This is unusual, but there is always a fringe element that may oppose Durga Puja. However, it has been celebrated here for years, and worshippers will certainly have the opportunity to do so,” Hossain said during an interaction with ANI.

Also Read: Durga Puja Under Attack In Bangladesh, Seven Idols Vandalised, Receives Threat