Bangladesh Islamist Party's Warning on Makar Sankranti Sparks Fear in Hindu Communities

Dhaka: Bangladesh's largest Islamist party has alarmed Hindu communities by telling them not to celebrate Makar Sankranti publicly this year. 

Jamaat-e-Islami leaders said activities like music and kite flying during the festival would be "against Islamic values" and warned of "serious consequences" if people held traditional celebrations.

The statement has stirred anxiety in areas with significant Hindu populations, including Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet. 

Some families told local contacts they will keep festivities low-key or confined to their homes.

What Is the Context of This Warning?

Makar Sankranti, known locally as Shakrain, is a long-standing festival in Bangladesh. Celebrated on January 14 every year, it includes kite flying, special foods like til (sesame) and gur (jaggery), and community gatherings. 

But tensions have been on the rise. In recent months, there have been violent attacks and killings targeting Hindus in various parts of the country, particularly since political shifts and the lead-up to elections. Rights groups report multiple incidents of communal violence last December.

Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, a prominent minority rights group, has documented a surge in violence, including murders, lootings, and false blasphemy accusations against members of minority communities.

How Are Locals Responding to the Threat?

The warning from Jamaat-e-Islami has deepened fears in Hindu neighbourhoods. Some residents say they feel unsafe to hold public festivities and are opting for quiet, private observances instead. 

Community leaders and activists have urged authorities to protect citizens' rights and ensure that festivals like Shakrain can be celebrated without fear. Civil society voices stress that freedom of religion is a constitutional right, and warn that violence and threats could further divide the country as elections near.

Is This Linked to Broader Political Shifts in Bangladesh?

Jamaat-e-Islami's prominence has grown since Bangladesh's Supreme Court restored its party registration last year, clearing the way for it to participate in upcoming elections. The party had been banned for over a decade due to its controversial role during the 1971 Liberation War.

Political analysts say such warnings on cultural and religious events may be part of a wider push to mobilise supporters on identity-based issues ahead of the polls. Critics, including other political parties in Bangladesh, have accused some groups of playing the “religion card” for political gains.