Dhaka, Feb 6 (IANS) The government must act over the spate of 23 burglaries in Hindu temples in and around Dhaka in the past few months, a local daily said Sunday.
The influential Daily Star pointed out in an editorial that there were no arrests so far. It said that there was no action beyond visits by ministers, senior officials and teh police and promises to book the guilty.
The editorial warned that if not curbed ‘this will be a spur for the communal forces in the country and outside to upset the peaceful co-existence of all religions in Bangladesh’.
It did not elaborate on who the ‘certain group’ is behind the incidents that ‘has targeted the holy places of worship with despicable intent’.
‘Burglary incidents at temples are on the rise. There have been at least 23 thefts committed in different temples in Dhaka, Narayanganj and other parts of the country over the past few months.
‘The burglars broke into places of worship and stole gold and silver ornaments and cash. Dhakeswari national temple, Baredeswari Temple and Joykali Mandir in the capital have been the main targets. The fashion of crime seems to be cases of ‘simple burglary’.’
‘Unfortunately, we have not known if any arrests have been made in connection with these thefts…Even if these are cases of simple burglary, the incidents leave a severe dent in the minds of worshippers who believe these acts desecrate holy places,’ the newspaper said.
Hindus form nine percent of Bangladesh’s population of 162 million.
