Islamists attack Dhaka’s Tanti Bazar Puja Hall with petrol bomb, several Hindus injured | VIDEO

Islamist attack on Dhaka puja hall: In a shocking incident in Dhaka’s Tanti Bazar, radical Islamists launched a petrol bomb attack on the Tanti Bazar Puja Committee hall, injuring several Hindus. The attack occurred during a religious gathering, likely linked to Durga Puja celebrations, one of the most significant festivals for Hindus in Bangladesh.

The attack took place inside the Puja hall, video surfaces

Eyewitnesses reported chaos and panic as flames erupted in parts of the puja hall following the explosion. The devotees, engaged in Durga Puja festivities, were caught off guard, with several sustaining injuries—some due to burns from the fire and others hurt during the ensuing stampede. Emergency services responded promptly, providing medical assistance and working to control the situation.

Bangladesh: Radical Islamist have just now attacked the puja hall of Dhaka's Tanti Bazar Puja Committee with a petrol bomb. Reportedly several Hindus were injured in this attack. pic.twitter.com/aiThJfrSh6

— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) October 11, 2024

Bangladesh is seeing a continuous rise in attack on Hindus after Hasina's exit

This violent act has reignited concerns about the safety of minority communities in Bangladesh. The Hindu community, a minority in the predominantly Muslim nation, has faced sporadic attacks during religious festivities over the years. Tensions between religious groups have occasionally boiled over into violence, further intensifying the community’s sense of vulnerability and all this has constantly increased after the ex-PM of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina left her post and property to flee from the nation. 

Police investigation is underway

Local authorities have strongly condemned the attack and initiated an investigation to track down the culprits. Human rights organizations and political leaders are calling for more stringent measures to safeguard religious minorities and ensure such violent incidents do not disrupt the nation’s social cohesion.

India raises serious concerns over attack on Hindu devotees

An official statement released by Ministry of External Affairs read, "We have noted with serious concern the attack on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka and the theft at the revered Jeshoreshwari Kali temple at Satkhira. These are deplorable events. They follow a systematic pattern of desecration and damage to temples and deities that we have witnessed over several days now. We call upon the Government of Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship, especially during this auspicious festival time."

Our statement on attack on Puja Mandap and desecration and damage to Hindu temples in Bangladesh:https://t.co/KXGnXLhgjq pic.twitter.com/Ty746nPn5c

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) October 12, 2024