The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) on Saturday alleged that its centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh was set on fire. “Anarchic elements set fire to idols in the temple located on the Namhatta property. There are continuous targeted attacks on members of the community and the Vaishnava sect,” ISKCON Kolkata vice-president Radharamn Das told PTI.
Temple Set Ablaze
Radharamn Das, in a post on X stated, “ISKCON Namhatta Center in Bangladesh has been set on fire. The idols of Shri Shri Lakshmi Narayan and all the belongings inside the temple have been completely burned. This center is located in Dhaka. Miscreants set fire to the Shri Shri Radha Krishna Temple and Shri Shri Mahabhagya Lakshmi Narayan Temple between 2-3 a.m. on the night of Friday and Saturday.”
Das further mentioned, “The temples, located in Dhour village under the jurisdiction of the Turag Police Station in Dhaka district, come under the authority of the Hare Krishna Namhatta Sangha. The fire was set using petrol or octane, poured through the tin roof at the back of the temple. Address: H-02, R-05, Ward-54.”
Administration Remains Silent
Das alleged that minorities in the neighboring country are facing continuous attacks. Despite ISKCON notifying Bangladesh’s interim government about these incidents, no significant action has been taken by the police and administration. He further stated that the authorities have failed to take necessary measures to stop these attacks.
Earlier, he had stated, “ISKCON India has expressed concerns over the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh and urged saints and followers in the neighboring country to avoid wearing tilak on their foreheads and practice their faith cautiously. The attacks on minorities are ongoing.”
Concerns Raised Over Chinmaya Krishna Das’s Safety
The Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata has expressed concerns regarding the safety of Hindu saint Chinmoy Krishna Das after his bail plea was rejected. He highlighted the increasing incidents of violent attacks following the political changes in Bangladesh.
Since the fall of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government and the takeover by an interim government in August, ISKCON properties in various parts of Bangladesh have faced repeated attacks.
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