Incidents of violence and vandalism against the minority Hindu community have been on the rise in Bangladesh, prompting Indian Parliament members to raise questions over human rights violations. Questions have been raised over the rise in desecration of Hindu temples and whether the Indian government has taken up these issues with the interim Bangladeshi government.
The disturbing trend was acknowledged by a junior minister of external affairs in a statement, where it was said that a spate of incidents related to temple desecration has taken place in recent months. Some of the important incidents which find mentions include an attack on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka, and a theft at Jeshoreshwari Kali temple during Durga Puja 2024. The Indian government has urged Bangladesh to ensure the safety of its Hindu population and their places of worship.
The crowning jewel of the thefts at Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple in early October was a silver-and-gold-plated crown gifted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a 2021 visit. The crown was stolen in broad daylight, right after the completion of the afternoon duties of the temple priest. This heist again brings serious questions to the fore on security concerns at religious sites.
Recent violence has spiraled, especially in Chattogram, where mobs have stormed several Hindu temples. The recent arrest of former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das sparked protests across Bangladesh. The community is asking for justice over persecution faced since the fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Among the incidents reported is an attack on the Lokonath Temple, Mansa Mata Temple, and Kali Mata Temple in Chattogram. ISKCON spokesperson Radharamn Das shared a video of the mob assault on a temple, criticizing ongoing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.
Chinmoy Krishna Das, a well-known Hindu priest, was arrested in Dhaka amid growing tensions over minority rights. His arrest came after protests in Rangpur, where activists demanded legal protection for Hindus and a separate ministry for minority affairs. Das was arrested by the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police on charges of sedition.
The arrest has drawn sharp criticism, particularly after the Bangladesh government labeled ISKCON as a “religious fundamentalist” group in a recent court affidavit. This characterization has fueled tensions as the interim government faces accusations of failing to protect minority communities.
The government of India has raised serious objections to the arrest of Das, and asked Bangladesh to protect the rights of its minority communities. However, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry responded by stating that these remarks from India amount to interference in internal matters. Meanwhile, as this situation develops further, the plight of the Hindu community of Bangladesh becomes a priority, both at the national and international level.
