The ancient Sri Sri Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka stood as a symbol of religious unity during political turmoil in Bangladesh. 53-year-old priest Ashim Maitro, who has been serving at the temple for 15 years, gives more information about this. He said, ‘On August 5, when the protest against the Sheikh Hasina government reached its peak, people from Hindu-Muslim and other communities came forward to protect the temple. I was not feeling scared for myself. I was worried about the safety of this old temple and the idols of the gods and goddesses here. At that time, members of the temple committee were also present and we had closed the doors and the main gate.’
When Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left the country, there was no visitor here. The priest said, ‘Even the police was not deployed here at that time. Everything was in disarray amid the political chaos.’ Expressing relief, he said that members of the local community helped us. Muslims, Hindus and others came to guard outside the temple. These people ensured that no damage was done to the temple. Due to this, no untoward incident has happened here from that day till today. Even when the unrest in the country was at its peak, the daily rituals of the temple continued. The evening aarti and prayer ceremony continued.
Muhammad Yunus visited Dhakeshwari temple
It is noteworthy that as soon as Muhammad Yunus became the chief advisor of the interim government of Bangladesh, he visited the Dhakeshwari National Temple. He assured the Hindu community of the country that all people have equal rights. There will be no discrimination on the basis of people’s religious beliefs. Yunus had received complaints of widespread attacks on religious places along with life and property. While trying to reach out to the country’s largest minority community, he said that citizens should not be seen as Muslims, Hindus or Buddhists but as human beings. He urged the people to be patient and assist the new interim government before deciding about their performance. He was accompanied by Law Advisor Asif Najrul and Religious Affairs Advisor AFM Khalid Hussain.
‘More than 200 victims of attacks in 52 districts’
Hindus had complained that they have been victims of more than 200 attacks in 52 districts of Bangladesh since Prime Minister Hasina was ousted from power due to a student-led uprising. Hundreds of Hindus have been injured in attacks on their homes, workplaces and temples. Protesting against these atrocities, Hindu community leaders demanded a special tribunal to prosecute those who perpetrate atrocities on minorities. They also called for allocating 10 per cent parliamentary seats to the country’s minority groups and enacting a law on minority protection. Yunus, who took charge on August 7, had earlier condemned attacks on minority communities. He had urged students to protect minority groups.
(With agency input)