How Hindus and Muslims guarded the famous Dhakeshwari Temple after Sheikh Hasina's ouster | Latest News from India

The ancient Sree Sree Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka's old city was considered a symbol of religious harmony and social unity during the political unrest in Bangladesh that led to the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina's government, a PTI report said.

According to Ashim Maitro, a 53-year-old priest who has served at the temple for 15 years, members of the local community, including Hindus, Muslims and others, came together to protect the shrine when anti-government protests reached their peak on August 5.

“I was not afraid for myself but was only concerned about the safety of our ancient temple and the idols here. The temple committee members were also present and we closed the doors and the main gate,” PTI quoted the priest as saying.

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When Prime Minister Hasina left the country, “there was no visitor here,” he said, adding that there was also “no police force” at the time because everything was in chaos amid political chaos.

“Members of the local community helped. Muslims, Hindus and others kept vigil outside the temple to ensure that no harm was done to the temple,” the priest said, expressing his relief. “From that day to today, nothing unusual has happened here,” he said.

Even at the height of the unrest, the temple's daily rituals continued without interruption. The evening aarti, a prayer ceremony, was performed as usual at 7 p.m., just 30 minutes after Maghrib prayers in nearby mosques, according to the priest.

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Maitro and the temple committee ensured that the “Bhog”, a ritual sacrifice, was offered every day according to tradition.

As Bangladesh's political transition progresses, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as chief adviser to an interim government on August 8. Shortly afterward, Yunus visited the Dhakeswari Temple and reached out to the Hindu community following attacks on minorities during the unrest. Dressed in his trademark kurta pajamas, Yunus spent time with community members, assuring them of protection and support.

“Yes, I was there when he visited the temple. They welcomed him (Yunus) by beating the 'Dhak' and I and other priests took him there to pay respects to the deity. He spent about 20 to 25 minutes here,” Maitro recalled.

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After the political chaos, the situation in the temple gradually returned to normal.

“After the formation of the interim government, police forces were gradually deployed on the temple premises and their numbers have now increased significantly,” he said, adding: “The police are now here day and night.”

Attack on Hindu minorities

Several Hindu temples, homes and shops were vandalised and at least two Hindu leaders from Hasina-led Awami League party were killed in the violence in Bangladesh after she fled the country, community leaders in Dhaka said.

With PTI inputs