look news india
The series of attacks on minorities that started after the coup and political instability in Bangladesh is not stopping. In the latest development, a threat has been made to target the huge statue of Lord Shri Ram installed in the ISKCON temple located in Pundrik Dham, Chittagong. This open challenge given by local fundamentalist groups has pushed the Hindu society of not only Chittagong, but the entire Bangladesh into an atmosphere of deep shock and insecurity. After this threat, questions have been raised regarding the security of the temple complex and people of the Hindu community are pleading for the protection of their religious faith and life.
Yunus government’s claims exposed, has the era of violence returned? When Mohammad Yunus took charge of the interim government, he had assured the security of minorities. However, the situation on the ground seems to be quite the opposite. The threat of demolishing the ISKCON temple and the statue of Lord Ram has indicated that fundamentalist forces are dominating the administration. Local sources say that since Sheikh Hasina’s departure, conspiracies to attack temples, loot and now destroy statues have intensified in different parts of the country. It is now a common discussion among people whether the same old and scary days of fundamentalism have returned under Yunus Raj, where people were tortured on the basis of religious identity.
Hate campaign on social media and increasing panic among Hindus A well-planned hate campaign being run on social media is being held responsible for this incident in Chittagong. There are calls by fundamentalists to remove or destroy the idol of Lord Ram, terming it ‘un-Islamic’. Due to these provocative activities, there is immense fear among Hindu families living in the areas around Chittagong. Many families are hesitant in coming out of the house due to fear of safety. Local Hindu organizations have appealed to international human rights organizations and the Government of India to intervene in this matter so that their religious heritage and human rights can be saved in Bangladesh.
Question of Bangladesh’s image and religious tolerance on the global stage This controversy arising over the idol of Lord Ram is also damaging the global image of Bangladesh. On one hand, Dhaka is trying to show its government as democratic and secular, while on the other hand, threats of openly attacking the religious symbols of minorities are being made. Experts believe that if the Yunus administration does not take strict action against these unruly elements, the situation may go out of control. At present, there is tension around Pundarik Dham and people are living in fear that the radicals might turn their threat into reality.