Two Durga idols have been vandalized at temples in Sujanagar of Pabna within four days.
The incidents occurred on Saturday and Tuesday nights, raising concerns among the local Hindu community about the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations.
They have requested assistance from the authorities to ensure their safety and the smooth conduct of the festival.
Following these incidents, Officer-in-Charge (OC) Saqiul Azam of Sujanagar Police Station has been transferred.
Members of the army, RAB, and police have visited the crime scenes.
Additionally, the administration has formed a committee with local residents to ensure the smooth conduct of the Puja.
According to local residents and the Hindu community, Durga Puja will begin on October 9 with the Shashthi Puja. Currently, idol-making is in progress at various temples, with some still painting the idols.
On Saturday night, vandals damaged four idols, including the Durga idol, at the Rishipara Barowari Puja Mandap in Sujanagar municipality.
The incident was discovered by temple staff the following morning.
Again, on Tuesday night, five idols, including the Durga idol, were vandalized at the Manikdi Palpara Barowari Puja Mandap in the same area.
Bijon Pal, president of the Manikdi Palpara Barowari Puja Mandap, stated that the idol-making was nearing completion, with only painting left. He had seen the idols intact when he left the temple that night but found the heads of five idols broken the next morning. After reporting the matter to the police, senior officials from the army, police, and RAB visited the site. The nighttime vandalism has raised concerns about the upcoming celebrations, and they have begun repairing the damaged idols, hoping for support from law enforcement.
Subodh Kumar Nato, president of the Sujanagar Upazila Puja Celebration Committee, mentioned that 51 temples will celebrate the Sharodiya Durga Puja in the upazila. The vandalism at two temples has caused significant anxiety.
He noted that law enforcement agencies are being proactive and have strengthened security, hoping for an incident-free celebration.
In response to the vandalism at the two temples, the police administration has taken action.
The OC Saqiul Azam has been withdrawn just 15 days after his appointment.
Golam Mustafa, the Sub-Inspector at Kamalpur Police Investigation Centre, has been assigned as the new OC of Sujanagar police station.
Additional Superintendent of Police Kazi Shah Newaz stated that they have inspected all areas following reports of vandalism. Security has been tightened, and steps are being taken to identify and arrest those involved in the vandalism.
He commented on the OC’s transfer, saying: "This is not a dismissal; it is a transfer in the interest of the public."
Sujanagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Rasheduzzaman stated: "This is an isolated incident. We are working to identify the culprits and take legal action. A committee has already been formed with local residents to ensure the security of each temple."
