Sat Dec 07 10:22:43 UTC 2024: ## ISKCON Temples in Bangladesh Set Ablaze; Four Monks Arrested
**DHAKA, BANGLADESH/KOLKATA, INDIA** – Two ISKCON temples in Dhaka, Bangladesh, were destroyed by arson early Saturday morning, according to an ISKCON spokesperson. The Shri Shri Radha Krishna Temple and the Shri Shri Mahabhagya Lakshmi Narayan Temple, located in Dhour village, were reportedly set alight by unidentified individuals who gained access through the tin roof. Petrol or octane was used to accelerate the fire, completely destroying all items inside.
Four ISKCON monks, including Chinmoy Krishna Das, have been arrested in connection with the incident. Radharaman Das, spokesperson for ISKCON Kolkata, confirmed the arson and stated that ISKCON is in contact with Bangladeshi authorities, who are now providing security to some of the organization’s other temples. Over 100 ISKCON centers operate in Bangladesh.
The incident has sparked outrage in India. Hindutva organizations and West Bengal’s BJP leadership have staged protests in Kolkata, demanding the release of the arrested monks. Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari even called for an economic blockade of Bangladesh, halting goods movement through land ports.
This development comes just days before Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s scheduled visit to Bangladesh on December 9th. The timing raises concerns about potential diplomatic ramifications between the two countries. The investigation into the arson is ongoing.
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