Muslims attempt to grab land of Hindu temple in Bangladesh
Barguna District, Bangladesh 
14 January, 2025
Case Summary
In Barguna district, Bangladesh, an attempt was made to seize the land of the Sri Sri Radha Govinda Jiu temple in Ramna Upazila's 8 No ward. The incident involved Abdul Salam, a Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader, and others who tried to grab the temple land. The temple committee's president, Sri Milton Chandra Shil, and others protested against the act. Bangladesh witnessed escalating violence and chaos since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government on August 5, 2024. Islamist extremists exploited the political instability to target the Hindu community with widespread attacks. Reports indicated that Hindu homes were attacked and burned, and women were abducted. The destruction of several temples further aggravated the situation, contributing to a climate of fear and uncertainty among the Hindu minority. Adding to the turmoil, the arrest of three Hindu priests intensified protests across the country, with the Hindu community demanding justice and protection.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
This case has been added to the tracker under the category of- Attack on Hindu religious representations. Under this, the sub-category selected is- Encroachment or illicit takeover of temple land/land near temple. In Hinduism, a temple is the abode of the Deity. The Deity in the Temple is consecrated, thereby, making it a real, breathing entity. Hindus believe that not just the Deity but the temple premises itself are sacred to Hindus since Hindus hold the faith that the entire Temple space is an amalgamation of the divine energy of the deity. Not only the Temple but the Temple premises in its entirety are considered sacred by Hindus. In several cases, the premises of the Temple and/or religious centre are illicitly taken over by institutions belonging to other faiths – like the Waqf board or the Church. Other times, the temple property, land or the property of religious centres are illicitly encroached by non-Hindu groups. Any illicit take over or encroachment is a crime an initio, however, when non-Hindu groups illicitly take over or encroach the sacred land of Hindus, it is an affront to the Hindu community and is therefore classified as a religiously motivated hate crime under this category. The removal of Sheikh Hasina from power in Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, escalated the persecution and marginalisation of the Hindu minority in the predominantly Islamic nation, intensifying what can be described as a silent genocide. Since her ouster, Islamists have carried out unchecked atrocities against Hindus, including physical violence, the destruction of temples and religious symbols, and the systematic displacement of Hindus from their ancestral lands. Over 205 attacks on Hindu temples, shops, and businesses have been recorded following Sheikh Hasina's removal as Prime Minister. Many Hindus have been brutally murdered or injured in these assaults. Amid this, this report indicates, that a Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader, Abdul Salam and his aides tried to grab the temple land. This encroachment of temple land represents a broader attempt to diminish the religious identity tied to the temple and its community. Moreover, the Muslims involved in the encroachment were fully aware that Hindu temples are sacred centres of worship for Hindus. By targeting the temples, they knowingly attacked the religious sentiments of the Hindu community. The purpose behind this was obviously to intimidate, harass, or provoke the Hindu worshippers. Furthermore, it was done primarily to target Hindus, making it a kind of religious harassment worthy of being listed in the tracker.
Case Status
Unknown
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Muslim Extremists
Perpetrators Range
Unknown
Perpetrators Gender
unknown
Sources 
