In this very disturbing development, there have been several recent incidents of temple vandalism in Bangladesh. There are alarming reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. Following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, there was a significant increase in attacks on Hindu homes, businesses and temples. One notable incident was the theft of a crown from the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple at Satkhira, which was gifted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This theft has raised serious concerns and prompted calls for a thorough investigation. Additionally, there were reports of attacks on Hindu temples and homes following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Bangladesh Council of Hindu-Buddhist Christian Unity reported that many temples were vandalized, and many Hindu homes and businesses were targeted.
There has been an alarming rise in Islamic extremism in Bangladesh, leading to increased violence against minority groups, particularly Hindus. The political vacuum following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has allowed Islamic parties to gain support.
The situation in Bangladesh is very bad for the Hindu community. There have been many reports of violence and murder committed by radical mobs. For example, during the recent Durga Puja celebrations, there were repeated attacks on the Hindu community, including attacks on puja mandap. Miscreants attacked an idol immersion procession in Old Dhaka, injuring three people. Additionally, there were reports of bomb attacks on puja mandates and other acts of violence targeting the Hindu community.
On October 2, miscreants vandalized three under-construction idols meant for Durga Puja at Palpara Durga Mandir in Sujanagar Pabna. The hands and head of the idol were damaged, as reported by Bijon Pal, chairman of the temple committee. Radical Islamic groups in Bangladesh have issued threats against the minority Hindu community, urging them not to celebrate Durga Puja openly and opposing a national holiday for the festival.
These incidents have raised serious concerns regarding the safety and security of minority groups in the country. This situation calls for urgent action to protect the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. This is a deeply troubling issue and highlights the need for stronger action to ensure the safety and rights of all communities.
Members of the Hindu minority claim that the Bangladesh government has failed to take action against these radical groups, who have stepped up their attacks since the fall of the previous Sheikh Hasina-led government. About the theft of a gold crown at the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in Satkhira district in southern Bangladesh on October 10. An investigation by the Yunus government instead tried to blame the temple management, asking why the priests and temple staff had left such valuable treasures unguarded. and unsafe.In Ramganj, Lakshmipur District of Bangladesh, 4-5 children aged 8-9 years, students of local schools and madrassas, were caught destroying Durga Puja statues. One administrator noted a disturbing mindset in society, suggesting that children should be encouraged to destroy idols for reward. Critics warn that spreading hatred for art and statues, as Mujib did, will perpetuate this behavior, leading to a cycle of vandalism and intolerance.
Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, dismissed India’s concerns about attacks on Hindus as “unwarranted” and “baseless”. Yunus described this issue as excessive and more political than communal. But so disturbing and widespread were the attacks on Hindu temples during Durga Puja that Yunus had to visit the Dhakeshwari temple following vandalism during the celebrations, to maintain the impression that the interim government was paying attention.
Recent threats against Hindus in Bangladesh have increased dramatically, with radical groups warning them to leave within seven days or face violence. Incidents included open molestation of Hindu women, vandalism of homes and places of worship, and the burning of the Indira Gandhi Cultural Center, along with 21,000 of her books. The government, led by Muhammad Yunus, downplayed these atrocities and released the radical terrorists from prison. There have been alarming reports of abductions and forced resignations of Hindu officials. Calls for Indian intervention are increasing, including suggestions for the balkanization of Bangladesh or the creation of an autonomous Hindu region.
