Over two days, eight idols in three Hindu temples were vandalised in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh and Dinajpur districts, as reported by local media on Friday. The incidents have sparked outrage and concern within the minority Hindu community, which has faced increased attacks in recent months.
In Mymensingh’s Haluaghat sub-district, idols in two temples were targeted in separate incidents on Thursday and Friday. Abul Khayer, officer-in-charge of the Haluaghat Police Station, reported that two idols at the Bonderpara Temple in Shakuai union were damaged early Friday. “No case has been filed, and no arrests have been made in this incident so far,” Khayer said.
Another incident in Polashkanda Kali Temple, located in Beeldora union, occurred early Thursday, where an idol was vandalised. Police arrested 27-year-old Alal Uddin, a resident of Polashkanda village, for his alleged involvement. “During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime,” Khayer confirmed. Alal Uddin was presented before a Mymensingh court on Friday and subsequently sent to jail.
In Dinajpur’s Birganj sub-district, five idols were found vandalised at the Jharbari Shashan Kali Temple. Although the incident occurred on Tuesday, it only came to light on Thursday. “We’ve never seen such an act here,” said Janardan Roy, president of the temple committee. Abdul Gafur, the officer-in-charge, stated that investigations are underway.
These incidents are part of a troubling trend of attacks on Hindu temples and properties in Bangladesh, particularly after the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August. Last week, four individuals were arrested for vandalising a Hindu temple and attacking Hindu homes and shops in the Sunamganj district.
Bangladesh has acknowledged 88 incidents of communal violence against minorities, mainly Hindus, since Hasina’s ouster. This surge in violence has strained diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.
India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, has expressed concerns about the safety and welfare of minorities in Bangladesh during recent meetings with Bangladeshi officials in Dhaka. These discussions highlight growing tensions between the two neighbouring nations over the protection of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh.
The minority Hindu community in Bangladesh has expressed fear and anxiety over the increasing number of attacks. Local leaders have called for stricter law enforcement and protection of religious sites to prevent such incidents in the future.
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