Hindu community leaders in Rangpur have accused Rangpur-2 MP Abul Kalam Md Ahsanul Haque Chowdhury alias Duke of putting up posters in Taragonj upazila and other locations that insult the goddess Durga.
This incident has sparked unrest within the community, and local leaders have demanded justice.
Taragonj Upazila Puja Udjapan Committee President, Kumaresh Roy, who is also the Harialkuthi union parishad chairman, said: "The MP printed the derogatory posters and had it posted by his party members. We seek justice from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for insulting Mother Durga and hurting our religious sentiments."
In the posters, the Awami League lawmaker is featured prominently alongside an image of Durga's face, placed below an image of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, where her feet would be. This act has deeply hurt the sentiments of local Hindus and is seen as an insult to their religion. Durga Puja is a significant Hindu festival, and this incident is considered a disrespectful portrayal of Mother Durga, which they allege is an insult to their entire religion.
Papon Dutta, general secretary of the puja committee, said: "On Wednesday night, I saw a derogatory poster insulting Mother Durga. Later that night, I called the MP and requested him to remove the posters installed during the night, or else the Hindu community would be forced to take strict action. The next day, on Thursday, some posters put up at different places in Taragonj upazila were removed, but there are still some posters in different places."
When contacted, lawmaker Ahsanul said he was not aware of the posters being put up and does not know who made them. He claimed that the posters were aimed at tarnishing his image.
Witnesses and puja celebration committee leaders said MP Duke himself printed the posters and had them put up by his party members, disrespecting Durga, which hurt their religious sentiments.
They added that a picture of Taragonj Upazila Jubo League Joint Convener Sayeed Bakshi putting up this poster has gone viral, so the MP cannot deny responsibility for the act.
Meanwhile, Jubo League leader Sayeed Bakshi asked why people are making a big deal out of it.
Taragonj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Rubel Rana said he spoke to the individuals involved and requested them to remove the posters.