Threats to demolish Gaibandha temple spark alarm; Unity Council demands immediate action
The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has expressed grave concern over what it describes as ongoing communal threats to attack and demolish the historic Radha-Govinda Temple in Hansbari village under Komorpur of Hosenpur Union in Gaibandha district.
In a statement issued late Saturday night, the organization said a video threatening an attack on the temple has been widely circulated on social media, triggering fear and anxiety among local residents and religious and ethnic minority communities across the country.
The Unity Council warned that the continued spread of such threats risks inflaming communal tensions and could lead to violence, undermining social harmony and tarnishing Bangladesh’s image at home and abroad.
“The situation has created a climate of insecurity and panic among minority communities,” the statement said, urging authorities to act swiftly before tensions escalate further.
The organization called on the government, law enforcement agencies, civil society representatives and political leaders to take immediate and effective measures to safeguard communal harmony at both local and national levels.
It also demanded that those responsible for spreading hate, incitement and threats be identified, prosecuted and subjected to exemplary punishment under the law.
According to the statement, the Radha-Govinda Temple is not only a place of worship but also a center for social welfare activities.
In addition to housing Hindu deities, the temple complex includes an old-age home, a medical center and several other community-service institutions that benefit local residents irrespective of religious affiliation.
The Unity Council further noted that development and expansion work at the temple has been ongoing for an extended period, making the threats against the site particularly alarming.
The organization urged authorities to ensure the security of the temple and take decisive action to prevent any attempt to incite communal violence.
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