Three arrested for vandalizing Maa Durga idol in Bangladesh, several incidents of idol vandalism reported

Dhaka, Oct 13: The Durga idol of Sri Shamshaneshwar Shiva Vigraha Mandir was vandalized by Islamic extremists in the Firingibazar area in Chittagong, Bangladesh. It should be noted that this was the third incident of vandalism reported in the country.

 

 

The Bangladesh Hindu Unity Council said, "The attack took place on the road while the Durga idol was being entered in the puja mandapa in Kotwali, Chittagong. Police have arrested one. Protests are going on in the streets of Kotwali in Chittagong." On Monday morning, the police arrested Dulal (35), Kabir (42) and Iqbal (32) after conducting a raid. The three accused worked in a fruit storehouse in the same area.

 

 

Kotwali Police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Nezam Uddin said, "An incident of breaking idols had taken place in the Firingibazar area. We will confirm whether it was an accident or a planned one after investigation." The vandalism resulted in hundreds of Hindus worshippers protesting against it before Kotwali police station and protested for about two hours. A complaint was filed by the Puja mandap president Amit Hor.

 

 

The Bangladesh Hindu Unity Council shared another incident of vandalism reported from Dhaka on October 11. "Vandalizing the pratima again. This incident took place at Rastampur village of Ashulia in Savar upazila of Dhaka this evening. We are drawing the attention of all the puja mandapa authorities and volunteers so that they take care of the temple’s own security," it tweeted.

 

 

These vandalism incidents in Bangladesh came even before the nine-day Navratri festival. In yet another incident a Durga idol was vandalized in Kushtia in September. The organization said, "Like every year, Bangladeshi extremists have started the festival of vandalizing the idol of maa Durga. It happens every year during Durga Puja."

 

 

Yet another idol being readied for the festival was vandalized on September 25. “After Kushtia, this time Durga idol was vandalized in Joypurhat. The vandalism of the idol during Durga Puja reveals how strong the law and punishment system of Bangladesh is!” Tweeted the Council.