Violence erupted in Bangladesh on Tuesday, targeting three Hindu temples in Chattogram: Lokonath Temple in Firangi Bazar, Mansa Mata Temple, and Kali Mata Temple in Hazari Lane. These attacks occurred amidst escalating tensions following protests demanding the release of ISKCON monk and Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu.
The unrest is part of a broader surge in violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, which has intensified since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in a coup on August 5.
The protests began as peaceful demonstrations against organized attacks by Islamist radicals but have since turned violent. Organized largely by ISKCON, a prominent social and religious organization, the protests drew global attention.
On Monday, ISKCON monk and Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das was detained at Dhaka Airport, sparking outrage. ISKCON Bangladesh strongly condemned his arrest and the ongoing attacks on Hindu minorities, calling for justice and an end to the violence.
In Thakurgaon, the Bangladesh Army reportedly attacked Hindu protesters who were demonstrating for Chinmoy Krishna Das’s release. The peaceful demonstrations escalated into violent clashes, highlighting the growing tensions in the region.
In Chattogram, a violent confrontation between Bangladeshi security forces and supporters of Chinmoy Krishna Das left Saiful Islam, a 35-year-old assistant public prosecutor, dead. Several others were injured after the court denied bail and ordered Das to be sent to jail.
ISKCON and other Hindu organizations have condemned the violence and called for the immediate release of their leader, as well as protection for religious minorities in Bangladesh.
