Idol vandalized in a temple in Pirojpur, Bangladesh

Idol vandalized in a temple in Pirojpur, Bangladesh.There is no permanent priest or servant in this temple as it is worshiped only once a year.

A complaint of vandalism of Kali and Shitala idols of a temple in Nazirpur Upazila of Pirojpur has been received.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Thandar Khairul Hasan of Pirojpur said that the incident took place at Uttar Holabuniya Sarbjanin Kali and Sheetala Mandir of Shakarikathi Union of Upazila on Saturday.

General Secretary of Nazirpur Upazila Hindu, Buddhist, Christian Oikya Parishad, Timir Halder, said that there is no permanent priest or servant of this temple as the puja is held once a year. In the morning, locals found the idols of Kali and Sheetala broken and left inside the temple. When the matter was reported to the police, they went to the spot.

"Primarily, I believe that a cycle may have happened to create communal problems."

Timir said that a complaint will be made to the police station.

Additional Superintendent of Police Thandar Khairul Hasan said that officials from different levels of police and administration visited the spot. Arrangements are being made by the administration to install new idols of North Holabuniya Universal Kali and Sheetala Temple.

Apart from this, he said that the infrastructure of the temple will be improved and CCTV cameras will be installed for security.

The police officer also said that legal action is under process in this regard and efforts are being made to arrest those involved in the incident.

Earlier, on August 1, an idol of a Shitala temple was vandalized in Kathulia area of Durgapur union of Pirojpur Sadar upazila and four youths were arrested by the police.