Mosque being constructed on the land of an ancient Hindu temple in Bangladesh

• Foundation stone laid by the local MP

• Minority groups in Bangladesh demand Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s intervention

MP Mohammad Zakaria Zaka laying foundation stone of a mosque at ancient Kantajew Hindu Temple. Credit – OpIndia

Dinajpur (Bangladesh) – Muslims have taken control of the ancient Kantajew Hindu Temple in Kahrul Sub-District here and a mosque is being built on the temple’s land. The foundation stone was laid by the Muslim MP Mohammad Zakaria Zaka. Local Hindus are opposing the takeover of the temple. The minority groups in Bangladesh have unanimously asked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to intervene. Ranjit Kumar, a local resident, said the total land of the temple is 62.46 acres. The land is listed in various Government Departments.

The Hindu, Buddhist and Christian Unity Council of Bangladesh has expressed resentment over this unauthorised control of the temple land and the construction of the mosque. They have described the land as archaeological and historic site. Besides Zakaria, Hindus have accused Deputy Commissioner of this area, Shakeel Ahmed of being involved in the conspiracy.

Construction has been halted for the time being, after efforts by Hindu organisations at the administrative level; however, Ratan Singh who is opposing the construction alleged that illegal construction was still ongoing secretly at night.

Editorial Perspective

It is India Government’s responsibility to protect Hindus and their places of worship in Bangladesh and Pakistan. Hindus are demanding that the Government should take steps in this regard now.