Miscreants vandalized eight idols in three Hindu temples in Bangladesh earlier this week. The incidents took place in Dinajpur and Mymensingh districts. Police quickly arrested two individuals in connection with the attacks. These acts are part of a troubling pattern of violence against the Hindu minority in the country.
Idols Destroyed in Mymensingh
In Mymensingh’s Haluaghat sub-district, attackers targeted idols in two temples. On Thursday and Friday, they destroyed three idols, sparking outrage in the community.
Abul Khayer, Officer-in-Charge of Haluaghat Police Station, confirmed the details. He said the miscreants vandalised two idols at the Bonderpara Temple in Shakuai Union. On Friday, police arrested a suspect named Azharul, aged 37. “We will produce him in court today,” Khayer stated.
Meanwhile, another idol was destroyed at the Polashkanda Kali Temple in the same district. Police arrested a 27-year-old suspect, Alal Uddin, for the crime. During questioning, Alal confessed. Later, authorities presented him to a Mymensingh court, which sent him to jail.
Five Idols Vandalised in Dinajpur
In Dinajpur’s Birganj sub-district, miscreants vandalised five idols at the Jharbari Shashan Kali Temple. The incident occurred on Tuesday but came to light two days later.
Janardan Roy, president of the temple committee, expressed shock. “We’ve never seen such an act here,” he said.
Previous Attacks on Hindus
These are not isolated incidents. Last week, authorities arrested four people in Sunamganj district for vandalising a Hindu temple. The suspects also damaged homes and shops belonging to the Hindu community.
2,200 Cases of Violence Reported in 2024
India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, shared alarming statistics in Parliament. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Singh revealed, “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 assured that the Indian government is taking these incidents seriously. “The government has taken serious note of these incidents and shared its concerns with the Government of Bangladesh. India expects that the Government of Bangladesh will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and welfare of Hindus and other minorities,” Singh said.
Call for Action
These attacks highlight the growing risks for minorities in Bangladesh. Immediate action is needed to protect their safety and uphold their rights. The international community is closely watching how the Bangladeshi authorities respond.