ISKCON Denounces Assaults on Hindu Temples in Bangladesh, Voices Alarm for Minority Safety
Click to start listening
Kolkata, Dec 21 (NationPress) Radharaman Das, the Vice President and Spokesperson of Kolkata ISKCON, has vehemently denounced the recent assaults on Hindu temples in Bangladesh and raised serious concerns regarding the safety of minority groups within the nation.
In the last 48 hours, vandals have targeted three Hindu temples in Bangladesh, damaging eight idols in the Mymensingh and Dinajpur districts, as reported by local sources. Authorities have confirmed the arrest of a 27-year-old individual associated with one of these incidents.
Abul Khayer, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Haluaghat Police Station, noted that assailants destroyed two idols at the Bonderpara Temple located in the Shakuai union of Haluaghat early on Friday morning.
These assaults are indicative of a disturbing trend of violence against the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh.
In response to these occurrences, Radharaman Das stated, "When the Foreign Secretary visited Bangladesh, we were hopeful for favorable outcomes. However, the recent attacks on three temples in a matter of days are profoundly lamentable."
Speaking to IANS, he shared his frustration about the persistent nature of such violence, remarking, "It is challenging to foresee when this will cease. Such incidents are profoundly troubling and show no signs of diminishing."
Das also highlighted the increasing threats posed by fundamentalists, including inflammatory rhetoric directed against ISKCON and attacks on Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians.
"As we enter this festive season with Christmas approaching, these assaults have instilled widespread fear. The Christian community is particularly alarmed, with intelligence agencies cautioning about potential threats. Celebrations are advised to be kept modest, and security measures are being implemented. This climate of fear, where individuals cannot freely celebrate their festivals, is deeply troubling," he remarked.
Das emphasized alarming figures, pointing out, "Just yesterday, the Indian government disclosed in Parliament that over 2,200 attacks and violent incidents against minorities have been recorded in Bangladesh this year. This statistic is profoundly alarming. Numerous rural areas experience extensive violence that often goes unreported, making the documented cases even more significant."
He called upon the Bangladeshi government to take prompt action to safeguard minority communities, asserting, "We anticipate that the Bangladeshi authorities will guarantee the safety of Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and other minority groups."
These events transpired amidst strained diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh following the interim government's assumption of power on August 5, after Sheikh Hasina was removed during a student-led revolt.
Observers and human rights organizations have urged the Bangladeshi government to act swiftly to bring the offenders to justice and avert further violence, emphasizing the urgent need to secure the safety and rights of minority communities.
