In recent weeks, attacks on Hindu temples in Bangladesh have intensified, causing concern among the local Hindu community. Since the political unrest following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August, there has been a rise in religious violence, with several Hindu idols being vandalized.
Seven Durga Puja Idols Vandalized
In the latest developments, on October 3, seven idols were vandalized at the Gopinath Jiur Akhara Durga Puja Mandap in Kishoreganj, Dhaka Division. The attackers struck at night while the temple guards were asleep, scaling the walls to break the idols. Local authorities, including the police, visited the site, and an emergency meeting was held with Hindu leaders to discuss the situation. The Hindu community staged a protest that evening, demanding the arrest of the culprits, though no arrests have been made so far.
These attacks have heightened fears within the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, who are calling for stronger protection and justice for those involved in the desecration of their temples.
Past Similar Instances
In late September and early October, two temples in the Sujanagar area of Pabna district, Rajshahi Division, were targeted. On September 28, four idols of Goddess Durga and other deities were damaged at the Rishipara Barwari Puja Mandap. Just days later, on October 1, five more idols were destroyed at the Manikadi Palpara Barwari Pujamandap.
Local Hindus, alarmed by the repeated attacks, have called on authorities for immediate intervention. Law enforcement officials, including the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and army personnel, visited the vandalized temples to assess the situation. Despite their presence, concerns remain high as Durga Puja, a major Hindu festival, is set to begin on October 9 in the region.
Bijan Pal, president of the Manikadi Palpara Barwari Pujamandap, reported that the idols were intact when he left the temple on October 1. The next day, he found them beheaded. Efforts are now underway to repair the damaged idols before the festival begins. However, Sujanagar Upazila Executive Officer Md. Rasheduzzaman downplayed the incidents, calling them isolated events, and assured that a committee of local residents has been formed to ensure the safety of the temples.
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