On Friday afternoon, a mob of several hundred individuals vandalized three Hindu temples in the Harish Chandra Munsef Lane area of Chattogram, Bangladesh. The temples targeted included the Shantaneshwari Matri Temple, Shoni Temple, and Shantaneshwari Kalibari Temple. Reports indicate that the attackers hurled bricks at the temples, leading to damage primarily at the Shoni Temple and the gates of the other two temples.

The local police, particularly the Kotwali Police Station chief, Abdul Karim, confirmed that the attackers attempted to demolish the structures, though the authorities noted that the overall damage was relatively minor after both sides engaged in throwing bricks at one another. Tapan Das, a member of the temple management committee, recounted that the mob began their offensive after completing Juma prayers, chanting anti-Hindu and anti-ISKCON slogans without any provocation. As tensions escalated, representatives from the temples reached out to the army for assistance, which arrived promptly to help restore order.

The unrest stems from the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spiritual leader and former ISKCON member, who was charged with sedition. His detention sparked protests from the Hindu community across Bangladesh, including significant demonstrations in the capital, Dhaka, and Chattogram. A sedition case filed against Das and 18 others accused them of showing disrespect towards the national flag during a rally in Chattogram's New Market area.

In light of these events, India has raised concerns with Bangladesh regarding the treatment of Hindus and other minority groups. Indian authorities have urged the Bangladeshi government to uphold its obligations to protect minority rights and ensure their safety, expressing serious concern over the increasing violence against Hindus. Conversely, Bangladesh has reiterated its own apprehensions about a violent protest at its diplomatic mission in Kolkata, urging India to safeguard its diplomatic premises.