By – Shubhendra Singh Rajawat
In a tragic turn of events, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temples in Bangladesh have become the target of repeated attacks, with the most recent incident involving arson at a temple in Dhaka. This alarming news was shared by Radha Raman Das, Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata, on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday.
Arson Attack on ISKCON Namhatta Temple in Dhaka
According to reports, the ISKCON Namhatta temple, located in the Turag police station area of Dhaka’s Dour village, was set ablaze early Saturday morning between 2:00 and 3:00 AM. Miscreants reportedly removed the tin roof at the back of the temple and used flammable substances like petrol or octane to ignite the fire. The flames consumed the sacred idols of Shri Shri Lakshmi Narayan and other deities, along with the temple’s interiors and belongings. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported so far.
Radha Raman Das expressed his grief and outrage on social media, stating, “Another ISKCON Namhatta Center has been burned in Bangladesh. The idols of Shri Shri Lakshmi Narayan and everything inside the temple have been completely destroyed. Despite our repeated pleas to the interim government, the police and administration have done little to address these concerns or prevent further attacks.”
Background of Targeted Violence Against Hindus
The attack is part of a disturbing pattern of violence against the Hindu minority community in Bangladesh. In recent months, ISKCON properties have been targeted across various locations. This violence follows the formation of Bangladesh’s interim government and the subsequent departure of the Awami League from power in August.
The Hindu community, including their homes and places of worship, has faced relentless attacks. Radha Raman Das pointed out that despite raising these issues with the authorities, adequate action has not been taken to ensure the safety of religious minorities.
Political Reactions and Condemnation
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from various quarters. Sukanta Majumdar, BJP President of West Bengal and Union Minister, strongly denounced the arson attack, stating, “I strongly condemn the horrific arson attack on the ISKCON Namhatta Center in Dhaka, which destroyed the idols of Shri Lakshmi Narayan and sacred objects. This is an unforgivable act of hatred against a place of worship. Immediate action must be taken to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh.”
Chinmoy Das’ Arrest and Community Tensions
Tensions have been running high since the arrest of prominent Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari. On November 26, his bail plea was rejected in a sedition case. Following his arrest, protests erupted in various parts of the country, including Dhaka and Chittagong. During one such protest, supporters intercepted a prison van transporting Das, resulting in the death of a government lawyer. This has further escalated the unrest within the Hindu community.
Broader Implications
The unrest has spilled over into other areas as well, with chaotic scenes reported at court complexes in major cities. Supporters of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League have also faced violent attacks during court appearances, despite police security.
Call for Action
The series of attacks on ISKCON temples and the Hindu community highlights the urgent need for the Bangladeshi government and international bodies to address these human rights violations. The protection of religious minorities and their places of worship must be prioritized to prevent further escalation of violence and ensure communal harmony.
The ISKCON community and global observers continue to call for justice and immediate action to safeguard the rights and dignity of minorities in Bangladesh.