Saraswati Puja in Exile: A Father’s Message, Bangladesh’s Silence
Awami League leader Pankaj Nath at Saraswati Puja celebrations in Bangladesh parliament (Images Special arrangement)
On Saraswati Puja, an Awami League leader’s daughter sends a message—revealing exile, fear, and a democracy under siege in Bangladesh
By NIRENDRA DEV
New Delhi, January 23, 2026 — January 23 marks Saraswati Puja, the festival dedicated to the Goddess of Learning—celebrated by Hindu Bengalis from Kolkata and Dhaka to Kanyakumari and London. In the digital age, a daughter’s message to her father—“Baba, do you miss Saraswati Puja this time again?”—may seem ordinary.
This year, it was not.
The message reached Pankaj Nath, former parliamentarian and Awami League leader, who is currently living in hiding. The sender was his daughter, Chhotai.
“There is something special about your call, Mr Dev,” Nath said in a choked voice. “Last time we spoke, it was Father’s Day. Today, it is Saraswati Puja. My daughter sent this message.”
Nath, once the Borishal-4 MP and coordinator of Saraswati Puja events organised under the patronage of Sheikh Hasina, recalled how senior state leaders—including the Speaker—would regularly attend the celebrations. “But today’s Bangladesh has changed. You know that better than me,” he said.
According to Nath, thousands of Hindu students across Bangladesh will once again miss the public celebrations. “My daughter feels it deeply. As a child, she used to participate in cultural programmes,” he added, slipping into sombre reflection. “Ekei boley bhagya—this is fate.”
Like many Awami League leaders, Nath declined to disclose his current location. “Independence and democracy—swadhinta and ganatantra—are the soul of political life,” he said. “Sadly, both are under threat in Bangladesh today.”
Calling for international attention, Nath urged India and other democratic nations to play a proactive role in restoring inclusive democracy. “The crisis is not confined to Bangladesh alone. Its fallout will affect all of South Asia,” he warned.
Dismissing the February 12 election plan, Nath said bluntly: “What elections? The interim government has no legitimacy.” He accused the regime led by Muhammad Yunus of abusing power and sidelining the Awami League’s substantial support base.
On leadership succession, Nath was categorical: “To counter the bluff and false hope offered by the Yunus regime to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, you need Sheikh Hasina as the striker,” he said, borrowing a football metaphor.
He concluded with a sharp warning: “Any talk of a referendum to extend interim rule is illegal, illogical, and an assault on Bangladesh’s sovereignty. The people will never accept it.”
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