15 Hindu temples in Bangladesh vandalised following 'anti-Islam' post

Dhaka, October 31

At least 15 Hindu temples in Bangladesh have been vandalised over an “anti-Islamic” post on Facebook, sparking panic in the country’s minority community.

Temples in Brahmanbarhia district's Nasirnagar were vandalised on Sunday and more than 100 Hindu houses were plundered in mayhem that lasted hours. Two temples in Madhabpur in the neighbouring Habiganj district were also attacked, police and witnesses said.

Six people were arrested over the attacks. Paramilitary Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed in Nasirnagar and Madhabpur Upazila headquarters along with the Rapid Action Battalion, police and Armed Police Battalion, bdnews24.com reported.

The attack was similar to those on the country’s Buddhist community.

The latest attack began with a Facebook post by one Rasraj Das from Harinberh village under Haripur Union Parishad, locals said.

Das was detained for blasphemy, SP Mizanur said.

Protests against the post were called under the banner of 'Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat' in Habiganj district headquarters and Nasirnagar. Demonstrations were also announced in Habiganj's Madhabpur.

Hundreds protested against the post.

Bangladesh is a predominantly Muslim country.

SP Mizanur, quoting witnesses, said a group of the demonstrators, armed with local weapons, vandalised the temples at Duttubarhi, Namashudraparha and Ghoshparha, and Jagannath Temple and Goura Temple.

They also vandalised and looted the houses of the Hindu families. Several priests were injured in the attack, he said. Locals say the incidents have sparked fears among the country’s Hindu community. —  PTI