Dhaka: In a concerning escalation of religious tensions, three Hindu temples in Chattogram, Bangladesh, were vandalized on Friday by a mob chanting anti-Hindu and anti-ISKCON slogans. The incident occurred around 2:30 PM in the Harish Chandra Munsef Lane area, targeting the Shantaneshwari Matri Temple, Shoni Temple, and Shantaneshwari Kalibari Temple.
According to local reports, the mob, consisting of several hundred people, attacked the temples following Juma prayers. Temple authorities stated that brickbats were thrown, causing damage to the gates of two temples and partially damaging the Shoni Temple. Police confirmed the attack but described the damage as minimal after both groups engaged in stone pelting.
The unrest stems from the recent sedition case against Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON member. Das was arrested earlier in the week, accused of disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag during a rally. Protests by the Hindu community erupted in Dhaka and Chattogram following his detention and denial of bail.
The Indian government has expressed serious concern over the rising violence, urging the Bangladeshi interim government to ensure the safety of minorities. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that protecting the life and liberty of all citizens is Dhaka’s primary responsibility.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh condemned a violent protest outside its Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, calling for New Delhi to safeguard its diplomatic missions. The incidents have sparked a diplomatic row between the neighboring countries, underscoring the need for swift measures to prevent further escalation.
