Despite Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s harsh message to the culprits, violent attacks on Hindu religious sites of worship in Bangladesh continue. An ISKCON temple in Noakhali district was allegedly attacked by a mob on Friday, murdering one of its members. ISKCON reported in a tweet that the temple was severely damaged and that a devotee’s condition is critical.
“A crowd stormed an ISKCON temple and devotees in Noakhali, today.” The temple was severely damaged, and a devotee’s condition is still critical. “We demand that the government protect the safety of all Hindus and bring the criminals to justice,” ISKCON said in a tweet.
Murdered by a Mob
Partha Das, a member of the religious organisation, was brutally murdered by a mob of over 200 persons yesterday, according to the religious organisation. His body was discovered near the shrine in a pond. ISKCON officials urged Bangladesh’s government to act quickly, ensuring the safety of all Hindus and bringing the criminals to justice.
“We share the news of an ISKCON member, Partha Das, who was brutally murdered by a mob of over 200 people yesterday with profound sadness. His body was discovered near the shrine in a pond. We urge Bangladesh’s government to take prompt action in this regard “According to the ISKCON community’s official Twitter handle.
The devastation at the ISKCON temple is the latest in a string of attacks this week on Hindu temples. In Bangladesh, several Durga Puja pandals and idols were vandalised after some contentious news surfaced on social media.
Several other violence took place
Temple vandalism was also recorded in Chandpur’s Hajiganj, Chattogram’s Banshkhali, and Cox’s Bazar’s Pekua following the Comilla unrest. According to media sources, paramilitary forces were deployed in 22 districts after four people were killed and several others were injured in the ensuing conflict.
In response to the developments, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday that the government acted quickly to ensure that the situation was under control. “We’ve heard some alarming reports from Bangladesh about unusual situations including attacks on religious groups.
“We note that administration has acted quickly to maintain control of the situation, including the deployment of law enforcement personnel,” said MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.
“We also learn that the ongoing Durga puja festivities in Bangladesh are continuing with the assistance of government authorities and, of course, a great majority of the population,” he added.
Sheikh Hasina, prime minister, also issued a strong warning to anybody attempting to destabilise the country’s ethnic unity, saying that action will be taken against those responsible for the communal violence in Comilla.
The Indian government is in talks with the Bangladesh government
According to Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, India has been in ‘close contact’ with the Bangladesh government regarding episodes of violence at Durga Puja pandals following communal tension in Chattogram (ertswhile Chittagong) in recent days.
During the country’s ongoing Durga Puja celebrations, communal violence has gripped portions of Bangladesh. As the violence extended to other puja pandals, police attempted to contain the situation but were stoned by mobs. To disperse the rioters, security authorities resorted to use tear gas and rubber bullets.
