In a troubling episode of Bangladesh Conflicts, eight idols in three Hindu temples across Bangladesh’s Mymensingh and Dinajpur districts were vandalized over two days. According to the reports, the police have arrested one suspect from Mymensingh in the matter.
About the Incident?
About three idols were vandalized across two temples in Mymensingh’s Halughat sub-district on Thursday and Friday. Two idols that were under construction at the Bonderpara temple in Shakuai were damaged. While another one was damaged at Polashkanda Kali temple in Beeldora.
In addition to this, around five idols at Jharbari Shashan Kali temple in Dinajpur’s Birganj sub-district were also found in a destructive state earlier this week.
According to the Daily Star, a Bangladeshi newspaper, a 27-year-old man named Alal Uddin has been detained by the Halughat Police. He has been arrested in connection with the Polashkanda temple attack. Uddin reportedly pleaded guilty and has been taken into police remand in custody.
Another 37-year-old man identified as Azharul has been arrested for vandalizing Hindu temples in the Shakuai area.
Abul Khayer, the officer in charge of Halughat Police Station, reported that vandals damaged two idols at the Bonderpura temple in the Shakuai union earlier on Friday. This has been confirmed by the temple authorities and local residents.
Meanwhile, the investigation has still been underway, and no further arrests or formal complaints has been made as of yet.
Speaking to the media, the temple president of Jharbari Shashan Kali Temple, Janardan Roy said, “We’ve never seen such an act here.”
Recent Incidents
The incident occurred following the recent arrests of four individuals suspected of damaging properties in the Sunamganj district and the November 29 vandalism of three temples in Chattogram amid Iskcon protests and the arrest of Hindu monk on sedition charges, named Chinmoy Krishna Das.
Tensions Escalated in Bangladesh on Hindu Minorities
Notably, these tensions have been escalated in Bangladesh since the interim government led by Prime Minister Mohammad Yunus came into power. This has been followed by the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. She fled from the country on August 5, following student protests, demanding her resignation from the position.
These situations have also sparked the diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh. Vikram Misri, the foreign secretary, has earlier also extended India’s concerns over the safety of Hindu minorities, urging Bangladeshi authorities to take stringent action.
Kirti Vardhan Singh, the minister of security in external affairs, in a reply to a question in Lok Sabha related to the Bangladeshi violence, revealed that over 2000 cases have been witnessed till October this year.
“2,200 cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh were reported till 8th December 2024, and 112 cases in Pakistan were reported till October 2024,” he added.
“India expects that the Government of Bangladesh will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and welfare of Hindus and other minorities,” Singh asserted.
Kanishka Malhotra is a seasoned journalist with a deep passion for reporting and uncovering the truth. With a specialization in research and investigative Journalism, she has covered wide range of topics related to social issues, travel, lifestyle, technology, Entertainment and much more. She believes to express and share her creativity to the world through words. With relentless pursuit of knowing and uncovering the truth, Kanishka continues to leave a mark in the world of journalism.
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