A mob shouting slogans vandalised three Hindu temples in Chattogram on Friday, escalating tensions that have gripped the region following the arrest of a former ISKCON leader under sedition charges.
The attack occurred around 2:30 pm in Harish Chandra Munsef Lane, targeting the Shantaneshwari Matri Temple, the nearby Shoni Temple, and the Shantaneshwari Kalibari Temple. According to a report by BDNews24.com, the mob of several hundred people hurled brickbats at the temples, damaging the Shoni Temple and the gates of the other two shrines.
Kotwali Police Station chief Abdul Karim confirmed the incident, stating that the assailants attempted to damage the temples. He added that the confrontation saw both sides throwing brickbats at each other, but the damage was minimal.
Tapan Das, a member of the Shantaneshwari Main Temple management committee, described the events, saying, “A procession of hundreds arrived after the Juma prayers, shouting anti-Hindu and anti-ISKCON slogans. We did not obstruct the attackers but called the army when the situation worsened. The army arrived promptly and helped restore order.”
The violence comes days after Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spiritual leader and former member of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Bangladesh, was arrested on sedition charges. Das was accused of disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag during a rally in Chattogram’s New Market area and has since been denied bail. His arrest has sparked protests by the Hindu community across the country, including in Dhaka and Chattogram.
The Indian government has expressed serious concern over the surge in violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told Parliament that Dhaka has a primary responsibility to ensure the safety and liberty of all citizens, including minorities. India also urged the interim Bangladeshi government to take firm steps to protect minorities.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, expressed concern over protests at its Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, urging New Delhi to safeguard its diplomatic missions.
The incidents have strained diplomatic ties between the two neighbours, with both nations calling for restraint and protection of minority communities and diplomatic staff.
Authorities in Chattogram have deployed additional security forces in sensitive areas to prevent further escalation.
