Bangladesh: Eight Idols Vandalised In Three Hindu Temples Across Country

Eight idols across three Hindu temples were vandalised in Bangladesh earlier this week, news agency PTI reported, citing local media.

Five idols were damaged in Dinajpur, while three idols in two temples were targeted in Mymensingh. Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the incidents.

Photo Credit: PTI

This act of vandalism marks the latest in a series of attacks against the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh.

Incidents in Mymensingh

In the Haluaghat sub-district of Mymensingh, three idols from two temples were vandalised on Thursday and Friday.

Abul Khayer, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Haluaghat Police Station, stated: "Miscreants ransacked two idols of Bonderpara Temple in the Shakuai union of Haluaghat," as reported by PTI.

One suspect, identified as Azharul, aged 37, was arrested in connection with the vandalism in Shakuai. Khayer told ANI: "The arrested person's name is Azharul. We will produce him to the court today."

Another idol was vandalised at the Polashkanda Kali Temple in the Beeldora union of the same district. The police arrested a 27-year-old resident of Polashkanda village, Alal Uddin, for his alleged involvement. During interrogation, Uddin confessed to the crime, PTI reported. He was subsequently presented before a Mymensingh court, which remanded him to jail.

Incidents in Dinajpur

On Tuesday, five idols were desecrated at the Jharbari Shashan Kali Temple in the Birganj sub-district of Dinajpur. The incident was reported two days later, according to The Daily Star.

"We've never seen such an act here," said Janardan Roy, President of the temple committee, as quoted by PTI.

Rising Violence Against Hindus in Bangladesh

Last week, law enforcement agencies arrested four individuals for vandalising a Hindu temple and damaging houses and shops belonging to the Hindu community in the Sunamganj district of northern Bangladesh.

2,200 Cases of Violence Against Hindus Reported

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha, revealed that "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 further stated that the Narendra Modi-led Central Government has taken "serious note" of these incidents.

"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," he added.

(With agency inputs)