Bangladesh Temple Targeted As Kali Idol; Gold Ornaments And Artefacts Stolen

A Goddess Kali idol, gold ornaments and several religious artefacts were stolen from Uttar Kalibari Temple in Faridpur city, Bangladesh, temple authorities said. The incident occurred between around 10:30 pm on Saturday and 5:45 AM on Sunday.

The stolen items included the Kali idol, around 7-8 tolas of gold ornaments, small brass idols of Lord Vishnu, Radha-Krishna and Manasa, and a silver snake weighing nearly 8- 10 tolas. The snake had been wrapped around a Shiva Linga.

Temple priest Debi Prasad Chakraborty said the Kali idol stood on a white-marble Shiva idol. He said the marble structure remained at the site, while the Kali idol was taken away.

The complete structure weighed around 40 kg, with the Kali idol alone weighing at least 20 kg.

Temple management committee president Kushal Chakraborty said the CCTV cameras were not functioning. The stolen articles had not been recovered.

Officer-in-Charge Mahmudul Hasan confirmed the theft and said several police teams had begun efforts to identify and arrest those responsible.

The incident comes amid continuing debate over attacks and crimes involving Hindu temples and minority communities in Bangladesh.

Rights reporting has documented attacks on minority homes, businesses and places of worship, particularly during the political turmoil of August 2024.

However, investigations have found that motives varied across incidents, including political retaliation, personal disputes and religious discrimination.

The Awami League has separately alleged that minorities have faced discrimination and persecution since August 2024.

It cited alleged job dismissals, denied promotions and seizures of homes, land and businesses. These claims are the party’s statements and remain politically contested.

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