Hundreds of members of a radical Islamist group attacked Hindu temples and a train in Eastern Bangladesh on Sunday as they protested against Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s visit.
Hefajat-e-Islam, a Qawmi madrasa-based organization, announced a protest against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, as well as a “day of prayers” and mourning for today, and called for nationwide rallies on April 2. Members of the organization have been carrying out violent attacks for three days, in which at least 500 people have been injured.
Yesterday, protesters from the outfit attacked a train in the Brahmanbaria district, causing damage to the engine room and nearly all of the coaches and injuring ten people. Meanwhile, the radical protesters are said to have set fire to several government offices in Brahmanbaria.
The Islamist mob ransacked Brahmanbaria’s most important temple, Sree Sree Anandamayee Kali Mandir, destroying and smashing the idols of Sri Krishna and Goddess Kali.
The temple’s donation box was looted, and the artifacts used in ceremonies were ransacked and thrown away.
“We were praying for Dol Purnima when 200-300 armed men burst through the temple gate and barged into our ceremony.”
he donation box for the temple was looted, while the artifacts used for ceremonies were ransacked and thrown away.
“We were performing prayers for Dol Purnima, when 200-300 armed men broke the temple gate and barged into our ceremony. We tried to protect the idol of Goddess Kali, but they shoved us aside and vandalised the idol,” Ashis Paul, president of Anandamoyee Kalibari Temple Festival Celebration Committee, was quoted as saying.
These brainwashed madrasa students in the name of protesting against Modijis visit in Bangladesh, destroyed & burned down public libraries, music schools, cultural centers,monuments,non-Muslims temples,because it's their war against democracy,secularism,science,culture,knowledge. pic.twitter.com/wxYvEetZEx
— taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen) March 29, 2021
The mob also clashed with police officers, set fire to police stations, blocked roads, and injured innocent bystanders; the Ustad Alauddin Khan Music Academy was set on fire, and the Shaheed Dhirendra Nath Bhasha Chattar was reportedly vandalized and burned.
They also allegedly set fire to Muktijoddha Sangsad Bhaban, Ubaidul Muktadir Chowdhury Women’s College, and a number of other establishments, including a local MP’s office, the public library, the press club, and the homes of Awami League (the ruling party) leaders.
Protesters blocked roads by setting fire to tyres at various points and torching vehicles, as well as engaging in stone pelting and causing damage to several vehicles.
