ISKCON urges PM Modi to raise Bangladesh vandalism with Hasina

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 17

Minorities in Bangladesh protested in several cities as vandalism of temples and attacks on Hindus petered away after the end of Durga Puja festivities, in the second riots against Hindus in seven months.

The ISKCON has asked PM Narendra Modi to raise the issue with Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina and seek strong action against the guilty after its temple in Noakhali suffered damage and the body of a third devotee was recovered from a pond on Sunday.

Never allowed terrorism on our soil

The people of Bangladesh are religious, but not fanatic. We never allowed militancy and terrorism on the soil of Bangladesh. Those trying to destroy communal peace will not succeed. —Asaduzzaman Khan, Bangladesh Home Minister

The sculpture of its founder Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada was also set on fire. The Bangladesh media reported the rape case in a Hindu family that led to the death of a girl child, raising the toll to 20.

Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said the Cumilla incident, in which several Hindu temples were simultaneously attacked, was planned.

“The people of Bangladesh are religious, but not fanatic. We never allowed militancy and terrorism on the soil of Bangladesh,” he said.

“No incident has been reported since Saturday night. Our security forces are working with patience. Those who are trying to destroy communal peace will not succeed,” assured the minister.

Editorial: Minority Rights