Editorial
Burglaries at temples
Address the issue seriously
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', according to the law enforcement agencies.
The disquieting factor is that a certain group has targeted the holy places of worship with despicable intent. 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.
Immediately after the incidents we have seen high officials of the law enforcing agencies, political leaders of major parties and ministers visit the place of occurrence. They condemn the incidents and pledge all measures to protect the places and book the culprits. Unfortunately, we have not known if any arrests have been made in connection with these thefts. The state minister for home assured us that the culprits would be caught and the police chief confirmed that 'extensive investigation is underway". Vigils have been heightened in all the temples by law enforcing forces.
We express our concern in that these thefts will have far reaching effects on the Hindu community in Bangladesh. As minorities they might grow a feeling of insecurity and lack of confidence in the state administration. In extension, the growing fears might cause situations that might affect the communal harmony that Bangladesh enjoys.
The government should take note of these acts of thefts with utmost seriousness and stop recurrence of these incidents immediately. If not, 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.
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