Dhaka, Sept 16: A Hindu temple in Bangladesh was vandalised on Sunday night, just days before the start of Durga Puja, the largest religious festival for Hindus in the country. The incident occurred at the Shwarupdah Palpara Sri Sri Rakhha Kali Temple in Mirpur upazila, Kushtia district.According to Amaresh Ghosh, president of the temple committee, miscreants broke the heads and hands of the Kartik and Saraswati idols. They also stole a security camera and its memory card. The attack took place during a power outage and light rain, which the perpetrators took advantage of.
Badal Kumar Dey, former secretary of the temple committee, expressed concern, stating, “For the past three years, we have been organising Durga Puja here. This incident ahead of Durga Puja has left us in a state of fear.”
Mominul Islam, officer-in-charge of Mirpur Police Station, confirmed the incident and stated that authorities had responded promptly. He assured that a detailed report would be provided after the investigation.
This attack is part of a troubling trend of violence against Hindu temples and minorities in Bangladesh. Since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus assumed power in August 2024, there has been a surge in such incidents. Last week, the Awami League condemned disparaging remarks made by the interim government’s Home Advisor, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, who reportedly referred to Hindu rituals as “gatherings of liquor and drugs.” The Awami League described these comments as deeply disrespectful and an attempt to incite religious hatred.
The interim government’s handling of religious minorities has drawn criticism, with accusations of providing shelter to radical and extremist Islamic groups. These developments have raised concerns about the safety and security of religious minorities in Bangladesh.
As Durga Puja approaches, the Hindu community in Bangladesh remains on edge, hoping for peace and security during their most significant religious celebration.