Idol of the Goddess vandalised in a Hindu temple in Bangladesh
Mymensingh, Mymensingh District, Bangladesh 
12 February, 2025
Case Summary
Local Muslims vandalized a Kali idol in Haluaghat, Mymensingh. The incident took place at the Dakshin Kalibari temple in Bhatta area of Shakuai union of the upazila. The heads and various parts of the hands of three idols in the temple were severed. Additional Superintendent of Police MM Mohaimenur Rashid inspected the scene and confirmed the incident. The incident was also confirmed by the temple priest Sujan Chakraborty.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
This case is being added to the primary category 'Attack on Hindu religious representations' under two sub-categories. The first sub-category this case is being added to is 'Attack on Temples'. 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. Given the central significance of Temples in Hindu Dharma, any attack against a Hindu Temple or its peripheral premises is an attack on the faith itself and is born out of animosity towards the faith, of which, the Temple is a central tenet. Any manner of attack against a Temple and/or its premises would therefore be considered a religiously motivated hate crime. The second sub-category this case is being added to is 'Desecration of Hindu religious symbol'. Icons and symbols or a religious representation of a spiritual ideal are widely revered in Hinduism. Iconography is of vital significance in the Hindu milieu. It helps connect people’s spiritual beliefs with the real world. Iconography within the Hindu faith takes several shapes and forms. Murtis are of most significance to Hindus, to which daily rituals, prayers and offerings are done. Besides the murtis, there are several other symbols which have deep significance in the Hindu faith – the Om and Swastika for example. Since these Hindu religious symbols hold paramount importance in Hinduism, any desecration of symbols, icons, murtis, religious representations and manifestations, is driven by animosity towards the faith itself which manifests itself through these murtis, icons and symbols. Therefore, any desecration of these Hindu religious symbols and representations is considered religiously motivated hate crimes under this category. In this case, the micreants attacked the sanctity of the temple and vandalised the murtis, which hold great religious significance for the Hindus and are an intrinsic manifestation of the Hindu faith. Such attacks are aimed towards the Hindu identity of the adherents and their faith, driven by religious hostility. For that reason, this case is being added to the Hinduphobia Tracker.
Case Status
Perpetrators not caught
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Unknown
Perpetrators Range
Unknown
Perpetrators Gender
unknown
Sources 
