Sun Dec 08 12:32:39 UTC 2024: ## ISKCON Temple in Dhaka Set Ablaze, Idols Destroyed
**DHAKA, BANGLADESH** – An ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) temple in Dhaka, Bangladesh, was attacked and set on fire early Saturday morning, resulting in the destruction of idols and temple property. Radharaman Das, the vice-president of ISKCON Kolkata, confirmed the incident on X (formerly Twitter), stating that arsonists targeted the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple and Sri Sri Mahabhagya Lakshmi Narayan Temple within the Hare Krishna Namhatta center in Dhaka’s Turag police station area.
Das reported that the attackers poured petrol and ignited the temples between 2 and 3 am, causing significant damage. While the exact motive remains unclear, the incident is the latest in a string of attacks targeting Hindu religious sites and minorities in Bangladesh since the interim government led by Mohammad Yunus took power in August.
This attack follows a pattern of escalating violence against Hindus over the past four months. The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent Hindu monk and former ISKCON member, on November 25th, further fueled tensions and sparked widespread protests. The Indian government has expressed serious concerns to Bangladesh authorities over the rising incidents of violence against its religious minority communities. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has emphasized Bangladesh’s responsibility to protect the lives and property of its citizens, including religious minorities.
Despite repeated appeals to the Bangladeshi authorities, ISKCON alleges inaction from law enforcement and government officials. The ongoing attacks raise significant concerns about the safety and security of religious minorities in Bangladesh. The incident has prompted renewed calls for the government to take decisive action to protect religious freedom and end the cycle of violence.
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