ISKCON temple vandalised, devotees 'violently attacked' by mob in Bangladesh's Noakhali

 In a tweet, ISKCON said the temple suffered significant damage and the condition of a devotee remains critical.

ISKCON temple in Bangladesh's Noakhali area was allegedly attacked by a mob. (Photo: Twitter/@ISKCON)

In another attack on the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh, a mob allegedly attacked devotees at an ISKCON temple in Noakhali area on Friday.

In a tweet, ISKCON said the temple suffered significant damage and the condition of a devotee remains critical.

"ISKCON temple and devotees were violently attacked today by a mob in Noakhali, Bangladesh. Temple suffered significant damage & the condition of a devotee remains critical. We call on the Government of Bangladesh to ensure the safety of all Hindus and bring the perpetrators to justice," ISKCON said in a tweet.

The vandalism at the ISKCON temple is the latest in the series of attacks on Hindu places of worship in Bangladesh this week. Several local media reports claimed that Durga Puja pandals and idols were vandalised in Bangladesh.

Violence erupted after news spread on social media that the Quran was allegedly desecrated at a Durga Puja pandal near Nanuar Dighi lake in Comilla town.

Following Comilla violence, incidents of vandalism were also reported from temples in Chandpur’s Hajiganj, Chattogram’s Banshkhali and Cox’s Bazar's Pekua.

Paramilitary forces were deployed in 22 districts after four people died in the ensuing violence while several others were injured, as per Bangladeshi media reports.

Reacting to the incidents, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said the Bangladesh government promptly reacted to ensure that the situation was under control.

"We have seen some disturbing reports of untoward incidents involving attacks on religious gatherings in Bangladesh. We note that the government of Bangladesh has reacted promptly to ensure control of the situation, including the deployment of law enforcement machinery," MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

"We also understand that the ongoing festive celebrations of Durga puja continue in Bangladesh with the support of government agencies and, of course, a large majority of the public," he added.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also gave a stern warning to those trying to disturb communal harmony in the country, promising action will be taken against the perpetrators of the communal violence in Comilla.