Ahead of Durga Puja, seven Hindu idols vandalised in Bangladesh

September 21, 2025

Dhaka: In yet another attack targeting religious minorities in Bangladesh, unidentified miscreants vandalised seven idols at a Hindu temple in Sarishabari upazila of Jamalpur district, local media reported on Sunday.

The incident took place on Saturday night at the Taryapara temple, just days before the start of Durga Puja — the biggest festival for Hindus in Bangladesh.

Police Confirm Incident, One Held

Sarishabari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Rashedul Hasan confirmed the development, saying, “We rushed to the spot after being informed. One person has been arrested over the incident.”

The accused was identified as Habibur Rahman (35), a resident of Shimlapalli village. CCTV footage reportedly showed him entering the temple and smashing the idols after artisans had left for the night.

Goesh Chandra Barman, president of the temple committee, told The Daily Star: “On Sunday morning, the day of Mahalaya, we arrived to see the idols broken. We immediately called the police. The vandal was identified through CCTV footage.”

Second Attack Within a Week

This marks the second such incident in a week. Earlier, miscreants had vandalised idols and stolen CCTV equipment from the Shwarupdah Palpara Sri Sri Rakhha Kali Temple in Kushtia district.

Temple committee president Amaresh Ghosh said miscreants damaged the idols of Kartik and Saraswati during load-shedding and rain, exploiting the absence of power supply. “Even though the temporary temple is guarded daily, the damage was done during the blackout,” he told The Business Standard.

Fear Grips Hindu Community

With Durga Puja preparations underway, the repeated incidents have sparked fear among Bangladesh’s Hindu minorities. “For the past three years, we have been preparing for Durga Puja here. This incident has left us in a state of fear,” said Badal Kumar Dey, former secretary of the Kushtia temple committee.

Growing Concerns Under Interim Government

Since the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government assumed office in August 2024 following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League, Bangladesh has witnessed a spike in violence against minorities.

The Awami League last week condemned Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury for his derogatory remarks against Hindu rituals, which he allegedly described as “gatherings of liquor and drugs.”

Critics say the interim administration has failed to maintain law and order and has instead provided shelter to radical and extremist groups, further worsening the plight of minorities.