ISKCON temple torched in Bangladesh amid surge of anti-government violence
by Aditi VermaAn ISKCON temple in Bangladesh, was set ablaze and its deities destroyed in a spate of violence targeting Hindu temples across the country. The unrest follows the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and has seen a rise in attacks on religious and cultural sites.
The incident took place at ISKCON Temple, Meherpur, Khulna Division on August 5.
Visuals showed after the fire at the ISKCON temple, everything had been reduced to ashes. Only a few deities’ statues remained intact amidst the charred ruins. The temple was completely destroyed by the blaze. Following the incident, Hindu priests and other individuals arrived at the site for inspection and assessment.
The ISKCON temple in Meherpur’s Khulna division was the latest victim in a series of attacks on Hindu religious sites across Bangladesh. The temple, including deities of Lord Jagannath, Baladev, and Subhadra Devi, was destroyed by fire, according to ISKCON spokesperson Yudhistir Govinda Das. Fortunately, three devotees residing at the temple managed to escape unharmed.
The violence marks a troubling trend in the country, where at least four Hindu temples were damaged in the last 24 hours. The unrest is a direct result of the political turmoil following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina’s departure came amidst massive protests and violent clashes with her Awami League party, which have left hundreds dead.
In Dhaka, an Indian cultural center was also vandalized by protesters. The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre, known for fostering cultural exchange between India and Bangladesh, was among several key locations targeted by the rioters. Protesters have also set fire to Bangabandhu Bhaban, the residence of Bangladesh’s founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and called for immediate reforms.
In response to the escalating violence, Bangladesh’s army chief, General Waqar-Uz-Zaman, announced the formation of an interim government and urged for an end to the chaos.
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