In a courageous stand, Hindus in Bangladesh thwarted another attack on a temple on Wednesday, according to Radharaman Das, vice-president of the ISKCON temple in Kolkata.
This follows the destruction of a temple on Tuesday, where attackers looted valuables and rations, and damaged deities.
Radharaman Das reported that a mob gathered near another temple on Wednesday but was repelled by local Hindus.
"Yesterday, the whole temple was destroyed, the deities were also damaged, and they took every valuable thing from the temple...they did not even leave ration. Today, there was no attack. One of our temple managers told us that a mob had come but the area is Hindu-dominated and they stood against them and the attackers ran away," he said.
Yogi Adityanath calls for unity
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has voiced his concern over the targeted attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. He called for unity to combat the threats against Sanatan Dharma.
"Today, all the neighbours of India are burning. Temples are being demolished. Hindus are being selectively targeted, and even then we are not trying to find those layers of history as to why such an unfortunate situation has arisen there," Adityanath stated.
"We should remember that the society that does not learn from the mistakes of history, its bright future is also eclipsed. There is a need to work together again to deal with the threat to Sanatan Dharma. There is a need to fight together for this," he added.
Unrest following Hasina’s departure
The recent violence follows the resignation of Sheikh Hasina as Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Hasina fled to India after resigning and is currently at a secure location. She may seek asylum abroad, given the ongoing threats to her life from protesters.
Reports indicate that Hindu homes and temples have been specifically targeted and looted amid the violent clashes over government job quotas. On Tuesday, a senior Hindu councillor was shot dead, and several Kali temples were vandalised during anti-government protests.
Calls for action from Indian government
The Opposition in India has urged the Narendra Modi government to intervene and provide aid to the minorities in Bangladesh. The United Kingdom reportedly informed Hasina that she would not be immune to legal action if she chose to stay there.
The situation in Bangladesh remains volatile, with over 300 people, including police personnel, killed in weeks of protests. As the crisis continues, Hindu communities in Bangladesh face increasing threats and violence.
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