Indian Cultural Centre and Hindu Temples Vandalised Amidst Political Turmoil in Bangladesh

An unruly mob in Dhaka vandalised the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre and caused minor damages to four Hindu temples. The violence follows the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Centre, promoting India-Bangladesh cultural ties, was attacked alongside other key Dhanmondi locations.

An unruly mob vandalised the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh, amidst political unrest. Eyewitnesses and community leaders reported damages to four Hindu temples across the country. Kajol Debnath of the Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council confirmed these incidents, noting that the damages were 'minor.' However, the Hindu community remains fearful in the wake of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's recent ouster.

The attack on the cultural centre in the Dhanmondi area also saw protesters setting fires to significant locations including the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum. The museum honors Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina's father, who was assassinated in 1975 while serving as president. The Dhaka Tribune reported the involvement of an unruly mob.

This development followed massive protests forcing Prime Minister Hasina to resign. Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman announced the formation of an interim government and called for an end to the violence. The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre, promoting bilateral cultural linkages between India and Bangladesh since its inauguration in March 2010, hosts a variety of cultural programs and workshops.

(With inputs from agencies.)