Vandals alleged to have been religious bigots attacked and set fire to the Lalon Anand Dham, constructed by followers of Fakir Lalon Shah, in the Motra village of Kaulibera Union in Bhanga upazila on Monday night. During the attack, a statue and images were vandalized, and various books and musical instruments were burned.
The incident took place late at night on September 30, prompting a complaint to be filed at Bhanga Police Station. Following the report, Officer-in-Charge Moksudur Rahman led police to inspect the site.
According to reports, Anand Dham was established in 2013 on private land by Mohammad Zahid Hasan, an assistant professor and artist at Sadarpur Government Degree College.
Zahid Hasan stated that a group of vandals climbed the walls of Anand Dham late Sunday night and caused extensive damage. They vandalized a statue of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, as well as images of Lalon Shah and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Additionally, several valuable books, journals, and musical instruments including harmoniums, ektaras, dotaras, bayas, joris, and guitars were set ablaze.
Dinesh Chandra Ray, president of Anand Dham, condemned the attack, stating that it occurred during a power outage late Sunday night. “We strongly condemn and protest this incident. We demand that the culprits be identified and receive exemplary punishment,” he said.
Following the attack, Professor Zahid Hasan has filed a complaint with Bhanga Police Station.
Moksudur Rahman, officer-in-Charge of Bhanga Police Station, informed reporters, “I visited the spot after hearing about the incident. We have received a complaint, and legal action will be taken following an investigation.”
