The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has alleged that its Namhatta Centre in Dhaka district, Bangladesh, was burnt down early on Saturday morning. The incident, which occurred between 2–3 AM, saw vandals reportedly setting fire to two temples under the Hare Krishna Namhatta Sangha in Dhour village, under Turag Police Station’s jurisdiction.
ISKCON Kolkata Vice-President Radharamn Das detailed the incident in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “ISKCON Namhatta Centre burned down in Bangladesh. The deities of Sri Sri Laxmi Narayan and all items inside the temple were burned down completely. The fire was initiated by lifting the tin roof at the back of the temple and using petrol or octane.” He also provided the address of the affected site as H-02, R-05, Ward-54 in Dhaka.
Another ISKCON Namhatta Centre burned down in Bangladesh. The Deities of Sri Sri Laxmi Narayan and all items inside the temple, were burned down completely 😭. The center is located in Dhaka. Early morning today, between 2-3 AM, miscreants set fire to the Shri Shri Radha Krishna… pic.twitter.com/kDPilLBWHK
— Radharamn Das राधारमण दास (@RadharamnDas) December 7, 2024
Speaking to news agency PTI, Das expressed concerns about the ongoing attacks targeting Hindus and Vaishnavite community members in Bangladesh, lamenting the lack of action by the police and administration. “Despite ISKCON drawing the attention of the interim government in Bangladesh, not much is being done to assuage their grievances and address their concerns,” he stated.
He further called for ISKCON monks and followers in Bangladesh to practise their faith discreetly and avoid wearing ‘tilaks’ for safety reasons. Das also voiced apprehension over the safety of arrested Hindu community leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was recently denied bail amidst ongoing violent attacks.
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Union MoS Sukanta Majumdar Condemns Alleged ISKCON Attack As ‘Unforgivable Act Of Hatred’
West Bengal BJP president and Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar condemned the incident, calling it a “horrific arson attack” in a post on X. “Strongly condemn the horrific arson attack on the #ISKCON Namhatta Centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which destroyed the Deities of Sri Sri Laxmi Narayan and sacred temple items. This is an unforgivable act of hatred against a place of worship. Immediate action must be taken to bring the culprits to justice and ensure the safety of religious minorities,” Majumdar wrote.
Strongly condemn the horrific arson attack on the #ISKCON Namhatta Centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which destroyed the Deities of Sri Sri Laxmi Narayan and sacred temple items. This is an unforgivable act of hatred against a place of worship. Immediate action must be taken to bring… pic.twitter.com/DXtetKnmBZ
— Dr. Sukanta Majumdar (@DrSukantaBJP) December 7, 2024
Since the installation of Bangladesh’s interim government and the dislodging of the Awami League in August, ISKCON properties across the country have reportedly faced multiple attacks. ISKCON India has expressed deep concern over the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh, urging stronger measures to ensure their protection.
The arson attack has drawn widespread condemnation, with calls for the perpetrators to be brought to justice and for increased safety measures for religious minorities in Bangladesh.