Since the resignation of Sheikh Hasina, attacks on the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh have been on the rise. Their lives are under constant threat, and now their religious beliefs seem to be at risk as well. Recently, a gold-plated silver crown, gifted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Jeshoreshwari Kali Mata temple, was stolen.
Crown Stolen from Kali Temple
The gold-plated silver crown, offered by PM Modi during his 2021 visit to Bangladesh, has been stolen from the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple. This temple is one of the revered Shakti Peethas in the region. India has responded strongly to this theft, with the Indian High Commission in Dhaka expressing serious concerns and demanding the immediate recovery of the crown and strict action against the culprits.
Priest Reports the Incident
According to the Bangladeshi newspaper, The Daily Star, the temple priest and cleaning staff discovered that the crown, gifted by PM Modi, was missing from the head of Goddess Kali. The Bangladeshi police confirmed the theft and have launched an investigation. Authorities have stated that they are reviewing CCTV footage and will soon apprehend the thief.
Significance of the Temple for Hindus
The Jeshoreshwari temple holds deep religious importance, not only for Hindus in Bangladesh but also in India and neighboring countries. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, attracting Hindu devotees from distant regions for worship.
Priest Reports the Incident
The theft of the crown during the auspicious Navratri festival is being seen as an attack on Hindu beliefs. It’s no secret that attacks on Hindus have escalated since Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. Last year, there were around 32,000 Durga Puja pandals, but this number has drastically dropped to just 1,000 this year, highlighting the dire situation for Hindus in Bangladesh. Although the police have not yet linked this incident to any communal motive, the ongoing attacks paint a clear picture of the challenges faced by the Hindu community.
