Bangladesh Crisis: Protesters Vandalise Hindu Temples, Indian Cultural Centre, Parliament

An Indian cultural centre in Dhaka was vandalised, and four Hindu temples across Bangladesh suffered minor damage amid soaring tensions following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ouster. Eyewitnesses and a community leader reported the incidents on Monday.

The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre, located in Dhaka's Dhanmondi area, was damaged by an unruly mob, according to eyewitnesses. The protesters also set fire to several key locations in Dhaka, including Bangabandhu Bhaban, also known as the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, at Dhanmondi 32, the Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported.

Protests and Violence

Bangladeshi protestors celebrated Sheikh Hasina's resignation. The museum was dedicated to Hasina's father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who was assassinated while serving as president in 1975. The development comes as a massive protest forced Prime Minister Hasina to resign and leave Bangladesh.

Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman announced that an interim government was being formed and urged protesters to end the violence. "These are minor damages," said Kajol Debnath, Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council leader. However, some Hindu community leaders are afraid in the wake of the tense situation after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ouster.

Impact on Cultural Centres

The Centre, formally inaugurated in March 2010, promotes bilateral cultural linkages between India and Bangladesh by organising cultural programmes, cultural seminars, workshops and engaging India-based Gurus professionals and trainers for Yoga, Hindi, Indian classical Vocal Music and Indian Dances such as Kathak and Manipuri.

It also engages high-class professionals from Bangladesh who had their training from Indian Gurus or in Indian Universities. The Centre is a Cultural Centre of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations of India and has a library with over 21,000 books in the fields of Indian art, culture, politics, economics and fiction.

Community Response

Kajol Debnath mentioned receiving reports that at least four Hindu temples were damaged across the country. "These are minor damages," he said. However, some Hindu community leaders are afraid in the wake of the tense situation after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ouster.

The protesters also set fire to several key locations in Dhaka. The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre located in Dhaka's Dhanmondi area was damaged by the unruly mob. Eyewitnesses confirmed these incidents amidst rising tensions.

The situation remains volatile as authorities work towards stabilising the region. The call for calm by Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman aims to restore order during this period of transition.