ISKCON temples attacked again in Bangladesh, idols of Namhatta centre burnt

DHAKA: Another attack on Hindu shrines in Bangladesh. It is reported that the ISKCON temple and centre in Dhaka were destroyed by fire. The incident happened this morning. ISKCON spokespersons have confirmed the attack. ISKCON Vice President and Spokesperson Radharam Das responded that violence against minorities is continuing in the country and another ISKCON centre and temple were also set on fire. He also noted that the fire took place between 2 and 3 am today.

"Another ISKCON Namhatta Centre burned down in Bangladesh. The Deities of Sri Sri Laxmi Narayan and all items inside the temple, were burned down completely. The center is located in Dhaka. Early morning today, between 2-3 AM, miscreants set fire to the Shri Shri Radha Krishna Temple and the Shri Shri Mahabhagya Lakshmi Narayan Temple, which fall under the Hare Krishna Namhatta Sangha, located in Dhour village, under then jurisdiction of Turag Police Station, Dhaka district. The fire was initiated by lifting the tin roof at the back of the temple and using petrol or octane."

The attacks on temples are continuing. They have been brought to the attention of the Interim Government of Bangladesh but the police and administration are not taking adequate steps to address the complaints. Hindus in Bangladesh are worried. Monks are told not to wear 'tilaks' and 'malas' and practice their faith discreetly. There are also concerns about the safety of Hindu community leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested after being denied bail,' Radharam Das responded.

At the same time, India has announced that it will send its Foreign Secretary to Dhaka to assess the issue in the face of ongoing violence against minorities, Hindu places of worship and priests in Bangladesh. Union Minister of State for Education also reacted to the incident. "Violence is an unforgivable act. Steps will be taken to bring the criminals to justice and ensure the safety of minorities'" he said.