“Hindus have always been tortured from 1971 to 2024”
Hindu houses and temples have become targets of attacks by Islamist mobs. The Meherpur (Bangladesh) ISKCON Temple was vandalised, and idols were smashed in a horrific incident on August 5. Sumohan Mukunda Das, a spokesperson for the Meherpur ISKCON Temple, shared the grim details of the ongoing situation.
As per media reports, Das likened the current situation for Bangladeshi Hindus to the tumultuous 1970s. He stated that Hindu politicians, traders, and temples are being systematically targeted by Islamist mobs.
“They targeted our ISKCON Temple and vandalised it. A bomb was also hurled inside the temple. For the whole night, we had to hide in the jungle as when we sought refuge in someone’s house, they said that if we allowed you in, they [the Islamists] would burn our house also. I am still hiding, but to tell the truth to the world, I spoke to you. Hindus are always targeted. From 1971 to 2024, Hindus have always been tortured,” Das recounted.
Yudhisthir Govinda Das, another ISKCON Bangladesh spokesperson, corroborated these accounts. He reported that an ISKCON centre in Meherpur, which was rented, was burnt down, including the deities of Bhagwan Jagannath, Balbhadra, and Subhadra Devi. “Three devotees who lived in the centre somehow managed to escape and survived,” he added.
The violence has spread fear among the Hindu community in various parts of Bangladesh. Chinmoy Krishnan Das, President of ISKCON Pundarik Dham in Chittagong, expressed deep concern for the safety of Hindu temples. He revealed that appeals for help from the police and the Rapid Action Battalion in Chittagong have gone unanswered, with security forces reportedly fleeing the area in civilian attire.
“Three temples in Chittagong are under threat, but the Hindu community, along with some members of the Muslim community, have protected them so far. Many Hindus and other minorities are feeling unsafe and are fleeing to India through West Bengal and Tripura,” Chinmoy Das said.
Widespread Attacks and Political Turmoil
Earlier reports from the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council listed numerous attacks on Hindu temples, houses, and establishments that took place on Monday. These attacks occurred within a span of five hours, adding to the atmosphere of fear and instability.
The violence comes amidst significant political turmoil in Bangladesh, exacerbating the vulnerability of minority communities. The international community has been urged to take notice of the deteriorating situation and to press for measures to protect the safety and rights of religious minorities in Bangladesh.
The Hindu community in Bangladesh, alongside other religious minorities, is calling for immediate intervention and protection. The recurring pattern of violence against Hindus has prompted appeals for international awareness and support to ensure their safety and to bring perpetrators to justice. As the situation remains volatile, the affected communities are seeking refuge and solidarity in these challenging times.
