Chattogram Hindu Temples Vandalised
Three Hindu temples were vandalised by a slogan-shouting mob in Chittagong, Bangladesh, on Friday, November 29, 2024. The attack took place at around 2:30 pm at Harish Chandra Munsef Lane in the port city, where the Shantaneshwari Matri Mandir, the nearby Shoni Mandir and the Shantaneshwari Kalibari Mandir were targeted.
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Background of the incident
The incident took place amid protests and violence in Chittagong after Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON member, was booked on charges of sedition. Das, a spiritual leader, was arrested on Monday and denied bail on Tuesday, triggering protests by members of the Hindu community in various places across Bangladesh, including the capital Dhaka and Chittagong.
Details of the attack
According to temple officials, a mob of hundreds of slogan-shouting people hurled bricks and stones at the temples, damaging the gates of the Shoni Mandir and two other temples. Kotwali police station chief Abdul Karim confirmed the attack, saying the attackers tried to damage the temples. However, police said there was little damage to the temples after the clash between the two sides, with both groups hurling bricks and stones at each other.
Reactions and condemnation
The incident has sparked protests and diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh. India has expressed grave concern over the “escalation” in extremist rhetoric and increasing incidents of violence against Hindus, as well as attacks on temples. The Indian government has asked Bangladesh to ensure the safety of Hindus and other minorities.
On the other hand, Bangladesh has expressed deep concern over the violent protests at the Deputy High Commission in Kolkata and urged New Delhi to ensure the safety of all its diplomatic missions in India.
Diplomatic row
This week’s anti-Hindu incidents have sparked a diplomatic row between the two South Asian neighbours. India has consistently and strongly raised threats and targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities with the Bangladesh government. The Indian government has also called upon the Bangladesh government to ensure the safety of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship.
Concerns over minority rights
The incident has raised concerns over the rights of minority communities in Bangladesh. India has said that it is the primary responsibility of the Bangladesh government to protect the life and liberty of all citizens, including minorities. The Indian government has also expressed concern over the increasing incidents of desecration and damage to Hindu temples and deities in Bangladesh.
International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)
ISKCON has also been targeted, with a petition filed in the High Court seeking its ban. The Bangladesh government has called it a "religious fundamentalist organisation". However, the court has refused to ban the global organisation.