ISKCON Denounces Violence Against Hindu Temples in Bangladesh, Voices Alarm for Minority Safety
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Kolkata, Dec 21 (NationPress) The Vice President and Spokesperson of Kolkata ISKCON, Radharaman Das, has vocally criticized the recent assaults on Hindu temples in Bangladesh and has raised serious concerns regarding the safety of all minority groups within the country.
In the last 48 hours, vandals have targeted three Hindu temples in Bangladesh, damaging eight idols in the Mymensingh and Dinajpur districts, as per local reports. Authorities have confirmed the arrest of a suspect aged 27 connected to one of the incidents.
Abul Khayer, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Haluaghat Police Station, stated that vandals desecrated two idols at the Bonderpara Temple in the Shakuai union of Haluaghat early on Friday.
These incidents are part of a disturbing trend of violence against the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh.
In response to these events, Radharaman Das remarked, "When the Foreign Secretary visited Bangladesh, we were filled with hope for positive developments. However, the recent attacks on three temples within such a short span are incredibly unfortunate."
Speaking to IANS, he expressed his frustration regarding the persistent nature of this violence, stating, "It is challenging to foresee an end to this. Such occurrences are profoundly worrying and display no signs of diminishing."
Das also highlighted the escalating fundamentalist threats, which include incendiary speeches against ISKCON and threats aimed at Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians.
"With the festive season upon us, as Christmas approaches, these attacks have instilled widespread fear. The Christian community is particularly anxious, as intelligence agencies have raised alarms over potential threats. Celebrations are being advised to remain subdued, and enhanced security measures are being implemented. This climate of fear, where individuals cannot freely celebrate their festivals, is extremely troubling," he stated.
Emphasizing alarming statistics, Das remarked, "Yesterday, the Indian government disclosed in Parliament that more than 2,200 attacks and violent incidents against minorities in Bangladesh have been recorded this year. This figure is exceedingly alarming. Numerous rural areas experience extensive violence that often goes unreported, making the documented cases even more crucial."
He urged the Bangladeshi government to undertake immediate measures to safeguard minority communities, asserting, "We trust that the Bangladeshi authorities will ensure the safety of Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and other minority groups."
These incidents transpired amidst strained diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh following the interim government's ascension to power on August 5, after Sheikh Hasina was removed during a student-led uprising.
Observers and human rights organizations have called for prompt action from the Bangladeshi government to bring the culprits to justice and avert further violence, highlighting the urgent necessity to safeguard the safety and rights of minority communities.
