Temple attacks in Chattogram: Kolkata hospital stops treatment for Bangladeshi patients amid rising tensions over anti-Hindu violence
PTC Web Desk: JN Ray Hospital in Kolkata announced on Friday that it would cease admitting Bangladeshi patients indefinitely, citing alleged anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh and incidents of disrespect toward the Indian national flag. Situated in the Manicktala area, the hospital released a statement attributing the decision to “insults against India.”
Hospital official Subhranshu Bhakt said, “Starting today, no Bangladeshi patient will be admitted. This step is a protest against atrocities on minorities in Bangladesh and the dishonor shown to our tricolour.” Bhakt also called on other hospitals in the city to take similar action.
This decision comes in the wake of attacks on Hindu temples in Chattogram, Bangladesh, which have further strained relations between the neighbouring nations. On Friday, a mob vandalised three temples—Shantaneshwari Matri Temple, Shoni Temple, and Shantaneshwari Kalibari Temple—in Harish Chandra Munsef Lane.
According to BDNews24.com, the incident occurred around 2.30 pm when a large group, shouting slogans, hurled bricks at the temples. Abdul Karim, chief of Kotwali Police Station, said while the damage was limited, tensions were palpable. Temple committee member Tapan Das said, “A procession of hundreds arrived after Juma prayers, chanting anti-Hindu and anti-ISKCON slogans. The Army had to be called in to restore order.”
The attacks came in the wake of the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spiritual leader and former ISKCON member, on sedition charges. His detention earlier in the week and subsequent denial of bail triggered widespread protests by the Hindu community in Dhaka, Chattogram, and other parts of Bangladesh.
The Indian government expressed strong concerns about the escalating violence. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, addressing Parliament, said it was Bangladesh’s duty to safeguard all its citizens, including minorities. “The rise in extremist rhetoric and violence was deeply concerning and unacceptable,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh raised objections to demonstrations outside its deputy high commission in Kolkata and called on India to ensure the security of its diplomatic missions.
- With inputs from agencies
