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Saraswati Idol Vandalized in Bangladesh

A nighttime scene at a Hindu temple in Faridpur, Bangladesh, showing the partially enclosed Kali Temple with an under-construction Saraswati idol that has been toppled. (Representational Image/Minority Watch)

Suspect Apprehended by Locals

Faridpur, Minority Watch: A case of idol vandalism has been reported in the Faridpur district of Bangladesh, where a Saraswati idol was desecrated at a Hindu temple. The accused, identified as Muhammad Mirajuddin (32), was apprehended by local residents while fleeing the scene and was later handed over to the police.

The incident occurred at around 11:30 PM on January 31 at the Kali Temple in the Bhatilakshipur area of Faridpur town. Mirajuddin reportedly entered the temple premises and deliberately pushed the Saraswati idol to the ground, causing it to break. The act of vandalism was captured on the temple’s CCTV cameras.

According to local sources, Mirajuddin is a known radical Islamist with a history of targeting Hindu religious sites. Previously, on February 7, 2024, he was caught vandalizing the Sri Sri Radha Govinda ISKCON temple in Faridpur. On that occasion, he was handed over to the police but was later released after his family claimed he was mentally unstable.

Confirming the latest incident, Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Muhammad Asaduzzaman stated, “The accused has been produced in court and the court has sent him to judicial custody. We will investigate further to determine if he had any accomplices in this act.”

Members of the temple committee detailed the events leading up to the vandalism. The temple, which is partially enclosed by a low brick wall and an open veranda, had an under-construction Saraswati idol in preparation for Saraswati Puja, scheduled for February 3. Witnesses reported that an easy-bike stopped in front of the temple before the suspect entered and deliberately toppled the idol.

Nimai Chandra Malo, the president of the temple committee, has filed a formal complaint with the police. Temple committee member Ram Chandra Malo emphasized the impact of the incident, stating, “The idol was being prepared for our Saraswati Puja celebrations. Now, with the idol destroyed just before the festival, we have little time to recover from this setback.”

A 26-second CCTV recording shows the suspect parking his vehicle outside the temple, walking onto the veranda, and forcefully pushing the idol to the ground.

Local students, including Samar Mandal of Rajendra College, expressed their disappointment: “We had planned to celebrate Saraswati Puja together, and now this act of vandalism has left us heartbroken.”

Faridpur Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Operations) Shailen Chakma assured that authorities are taking the matter seriously. “Following the complaint, we have arrested the accused and sent him to court. Investigations are ongoing to determine his motivations and any potential links to extremist groups.”

The incident has sparked concern among local Hindus and human rights activists, who are calling for stricter measures to protect minority communities and their places of worship. Authorities have vowed to ensure justice and prevent such incidents in the future.

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