Bangladesh: Four Arrested For Hindu Temple Vandalism And Arson

The unrest began on December 3, 2024, following a Facebook post by Akash Das, a resident of Sunamganj district. Although Das deleted the post within minutes, screenshots quickly went viral, escalating tensions in the area.

Enraged locals attacked the Loknath Temple and vandalised homes and shops belonging to members of the Hindu community. To ensure Das’ safety, police detained him and transferred him to the Sadar Police Station.

Arrests and Investigations

Bangladesh police arrested four individuals identified as:

1. Alim Hossain (19)
2. Sultan Ahmed Raju (20)
3. Imran Hossain (31)
4. Shajahan Hossain (20)

In addition, a case has been filed against 12 named individuals and 150-170 unidentified persons. Authorities are conducting a detailed investigation to identify others involved.

Efforts to Control the Situation

The violence was brought under control through the intervention of:

• The Superintendent of Police (SP)
• The District Commissioner (DC)
• Personnel from the army and police

Impact on India-Bangladesh Relations

This incident, along with the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, has further strained bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh. India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, during his recent visit to Dhaka, expressed concerns about attacks on minorities.

Bangladesh acknowledged 88 incidents of communal violence against minorities, including vandalism, arson, and desecration of temples, between August 5 and October 22. Authorities have registered 88 cases and arrested 70 people involved in such crimes.

Alarming Statistics of Communal Violence

The Centre for Democracy, Pluralism and Human Rights (CDPHR) reported:

• 190 cases of looting
• 32 homes set on fire
• 16 temples desecrated
• 2 incidents of sexual violence

These incidents underscore the growing need for communal harmony and strict enforcement of the law to protect minority communities.