The Bangladesh students’ movement has formed committees to protect temples and households of minorities in the country following reports of protesters attacking such religious places. India had expressed concern about the security of minorities in the country.
The move comes amidst reports of several temples being defaced by protesters. The ISKCON said its temple at Meherpur in Khulna division was attacked and set on fire by protesters. Yudhistir Govinda Das, country director of ISKCON communications said in a post on X, “As per the info I have received, one of our ISKCON center (rented) in Meherpur (Khulna division) was burnt including with the deities of Lord Jagannath, Baladev and Subhadra Devi. 3 devotees who lived in the center somehow managed to escape & survived.”Besides temples, the Indian cultural centre in Dhaka was also attacked by violent mob.
Violence has escalated following former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster and her escape to Delhi. Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved the Parliament on Tuesday following an ultimatum from protesters.
Meanwhile, the Army has released helpline numbers for minorities. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed concern over the situation during his statement in the Parliament on Tuesday.
Jaishankar said, “There are reports of initiatives by various groups and organisations to ensure their protection and well-being. Naturally, we will remain deeply concerned till law and order is restored.”
