Hindu Temples Vandalized in Chittagong by Islamic Fundamentalists

Public gatherings were banned at the site of several Hindu temples after Fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami activists vandalized several temples in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Secion 144 was imposed by law enforces to maintain the safety of the temple goers.

The first temple that was damaged by several muslim Jamaat-e-Islami activists, was the Loknath Sebasram at Nandirhat. The damage happened after Jamaat-e-Islami group activists blocked the Chittagong-Rangamati Road.

In addition to the Loknath Sebasram temple damage, it was reported that at least 3 other Hindu Temples were also subject to vandalism by Islamic activists. The Jagannath Bigroho Temple at Nandirhat, The Sri Sri Jagadeshwari Ma Temple, and the Kalibari Temple in Sadar Upazila were the three other temples that were burnt.

Afsar-ul-Ameen, the Primary and Mass Education Minister in Bangladesh visited the area and directed local authorities to take steps to settle down the situation.

Many citizens of Bangladesh are concerned that the secularism of the country is at risk with such attacks reoccurring time after time. People believe there is a political motive behind such acts, which the public needs to keep in mind so that corrective action can be taken.

Houses in the area close to the temple, which Hindus reside in, were also vandalized. The minority Hindu community is concerned that the governments indifferent attitude towards the attacks happening are leading to an increase of such events decreasing security levels for Hindus in the country.