In a series of recent incidents, eight Hindu idols were vandalized across three temples in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh and Dinajpur districts over two days, sparking concern within the minority Hindu community. Police have arrested one suspect in connection with the vandalism at one of the temples, as reported by The Daily Star.

The incidents are part of an ongoing wave of attacks against Hindus in Bangladesh. In Mymensingh’s Haluaghat sub-district, three idols were destroyed in two temples on Thursday and Friday. According to Abul Khayer, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Haluaghat Police Station, attackers targeted the Bonderpara Temple in the Shakuai union early on Friday, damaging two idols. No arrests have been made, and no case has been filed in connection with this act. Earlier, on Thursday, an idol at the Polashkanda Kali Temple in Beeldora union of Haluaghat was also vandalized. Police arrested 27-year-old Alal Uddin from the nearby village of Polashkanda in connection with the crime. Uddin confessed to the vandalism during interrogation, and he was later presented in court and sent to jail. The temple president, Suvash Chandra Sarker, had earlier filed a case accusing unknown perpetrators.

Meanwhile, in Dinajpur’s Birganj sub-district, five idols were destroyed at the Jharbari Shashan Kali Temple on Tuesday, though the incident came to light only on Thursday. The temple president, Janardan Roy, expressed shock, saying, “We’ve never seen such an act here.” Officer-in-Charge Abdul Gafur confirmed that an investigation is underway.

These incidents follow a disturbing pattern of rising attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. Last week, four individuals were arrested for vandalizing a Hindu temple and damaging the homes and businesses of the community in Sunamganj district. The violence against Hindus also occurred in Chattogram on November 29, where a mob targeted three Hindu temples following protests linked to a former ISKCON member’s arrest on sedition charges.

The increasing attacks have strained relations between India and Bangladesh. India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, raised concerns with Bangladeshi officials in Dhaka, highlighting the safety and welfare of minorities. In total, Bangladesh authorities have acknowledged 88 incidents of communal violence against minorities, primarily Hindus, following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.