Bangladesh is gearing up to celebrate Durga Puja despite ongoing tensions.

Dhaka [Bangladesh], October 8: Bangladesh is preparing to celebrate Durga Puja, the country's largest Hindu festival, from October 9 to 13, with heightened security due to existing tensions.

The festivities will take place in 32,666 pavilions across Bangladesh, according to police reports.

In response to an 8-point demand from a minority alliance, which included requests for additional holidays, the Bangladesh government announced an extra one-day public holiday for Durga Puja.

"Traditionally, there was one public holiday for Durga Puja in Bangladesh. This year, there will be two days off, which, when combined with the weekend, results in a total of four days of holidays," stated Abul Kalam Azad, Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser of the interim government.

Azad mentioned that the decision for the additional holiday will be formalized through an executive order expected to be issued today.

The Bangladesh Combined Minority Alliance held a rally earlier, stating that the minority community has faced numerous atrocities since August 5, including arson, vandalism, looting, forced occupations, murder, rape, threats of exile, and extrajudicial killings under the pretext of mob justice.

"The government has decided to compensate those affected by the recent attacks following the August 5 shift in Bangladesh," Azad added.

Two months ago, a student-led movement resulted in the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after weeks of protests and clashes that led to over 600 deaths. Hasina fled to India on August 5, and an interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus was established.

All law enforcement agencies, including the army, police, and intelligence units, have implemented security measures for the festival.

"The greatest festival for the Hindu community in Bangladesh will commence tomorrow. All law enforcement agencies have assured us that there will be no incidents during the Puja," said Joyanta Kumar Deb, President of the Mohanagar Sarbojaneen Puja Committee, speaking at the Dhakeswari National Temple.

He expressed optimism that the Puja would proceed peacefully and that the Hindu community would celebrate with full enthusiasm.

The interim government has also committed to addressing the reasonable demands of the minority community.

"There have been attacks on minority groups, including Hindus, following the August unrest... We will strive to assist the affected families from the Chief Adviser's welfare fund," said Mahfuj Alam, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, during a visit to the Dhakeswari Temple on Tuesday.

"We want to convey that the government stands with all minority communities, including Hindus, and is open to addressing their legitimate demands," Alam stated. He also mentioned that the government would provide legal assistance to minority communities.

Following the change in power on August 5, Bangladesh experienced targeted attacks against minority groups. Earlier in August, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus remarked, "In our democratic aspirations, we should not be identified as Muslims, Hindus, or Buddhists, but as human beings. Our rights should be guaranteed. The root of all problems lies in the deterioration of institutional arrangements."