Bangladesh Unrest: ISKCON Temple Attacked, Idols Burnt

ISKCON Temple Attacked in Bangladesh Amid Widespread Unrest

In a troubling development amid the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, an ISKCON temple in Meherpur, Khulna division, was vandalized and set on fire. This incident is part of a disturbing trend of violence targeting Hindu temples across the country in the last 24 hours. The attack has intensified concerns about the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh.

Incident Details

The ISKCON temple, which was located in a rented facility, suffered significant damage. According to Yudhistir Govinda Das, an ISKCON spokesperson, the fire destroyed idols of Lord Jagannath, Baladev, and Subhadra Devi. Remarkably, three devotees residing at the temple managed to escape unharmed.

Broader Impact

The recent wave of violence follows the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which has contributed to a volatile environment. Hindu temples, in particular, have become targets of this unrest. Chinmoy Krishnan Das, President of ISKCON Pundarik Dham in Chittagong, expressed grave concerns about the safety of Hindu temples. He noted that three temples in Chittagong are currently under threat.

Das reported that local security forces, including the police and Rapid Action Battalion, have been unresponsive. Reports suggest that security personnel may have fled the area, leaving the temples vulnerable. Consequently, many Hindus and other minorities are fleeing to India through West Bengal and Tripura.

Additional Attacks

The violence has not been limited to temples. The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhaka, which promotes cultural exchange between India and Bangladesh, was also damaged. Protests in the capital have led to further destruction, including the burning of Bangabandhu Bhaban, the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh and father of Sheikh Hasina.

Political Unrest

The unrest began with protests demanding the abolition of a civil service quota system but quickly escalated into calls for Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. The violent clashes between protesters and Awami League supporters resulted in numerous casualties. In response to the protests and violence, Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country on Monday.

General Waqar-Uz-Zaman, Bangladesh’s army chief, has announced the formation of an interim government and urged protesters to end the violence.

The attack on the ISKCON temple is a stark reminder of the growing insecurity faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh. The international community and political leaders must act urgently to address the escalating violence and restore order to ensure the safety of all communities in the region.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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