Published: 12:49 AM, 14 July 2026
Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council condemns arrest of Gaibandha temple leader
The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has strongly condemned the arrest of Haridas Chandra Tarani Das, a temple official in Gaibandha, demanding his immediate and unconditional release.
Haridas, who recently drew public attention for initiating the construction of an 81-foot-tall statue of Lord Rama at the Shree Shree Radha Gobinda Kali Temple premises in Palashbari, Gaibandha, was arrested by law enforcement on the night of July 12, 2026, under what the council termed a "so-called money laundering case." In a formal press statement issued on Monday by its central committee, the rights organization-which campaigns against religious discrimination-stated that radical communal factions had been actively opposing the statue's construction for some time. The council alleged that these groups have been hurting the religious sentiments of the Hindu community and inciting unwarranted religious hatred nationwide.
The statement criticized authorities for failing to take punitive action against those instigating communal tension, choosing instead to arrest Mr. Das, whom they described as a victim of communal threats. The council labeled the arrest "unfortunate, unacceptable, and a shameless violation of democracy and the rule of law."
The press release was issued on behalf of the organization by Manindra Kumar Nath, Joint General Secretary of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council.
