More attacks on temples at Sirajganj and Jhalakathi

Amid a spate of hate attacks on Hindu homes and temples across the country, two more such attacks have been reported from Sirajganj and Jhalakathi.

Unidentified attackers smashed the idols of two goddesses - Kali and Shitola - at Sharbojonin Kalimata Temple in Fulkocha Kunduparha under Chongachha Union of Sirajganj.

Locals found the idols lying without heads on Sunday morning, said the temple's head priest Odhir Chandra Kundu.

"They must have carried out the vandalism during the wee hours," he said.

The matter was informed to police and leaders of local Puja Celebration Committtee, he said, demanding punishment to the criminals.

District Commissioner Kamrun Nahar Siddika, Superintendent of Police (SP) Miraz Uddin Ahmmed, Sadar Upazila Chairman Riaz Uddin and Upazila Executive Officer Brenjan Chambuggong have visited the spot.

Police Officer Bashudeb said investigation was on.

An idol of goddess Kali was vandalised in a temple at Ponabalia village of Jhalakathi the same day.

General Secretary of the temple committee Liton Chandra Shil told reporters the idol of Kali was found crushed on the floor of the temple around 6am on Sunday.

Jhalakathi Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Md Abdur Rakib said he had visited the spot and legal action would be taken after investigation.

After allegations of  'denigrating Islam on Facebook surfaced,' 15 temples and more than a hundred Hindu housesholds were ransacked and vandalised in Nasirnagar Upazila of Brahmanbarhia on Oct 30.

Similar attacks were reported from Habiganj, Thakurgaon, Netrokona and Magura on days that followed.

The series of attacks have left Hindus in Bangladesh in a state of panic and anxiety.