Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Kali Idol Stolen From Bangladesh Temple Amid Minority Safety Concerns
A Hindu temple in Faridpur, Bangladesh, was broken into.
Someone took a statue of the goddess Kali and other religious objects.
The stolen items also included gold, brass statues, and a silver snake.
The theft happened overnight between Saturday and Sunday.
Temple officials said the security cameras were not working.
Police are investigating and looking for the people responsible.
The incident has increased concerns about the safety of Hindu temples and minority communities.
The Awami League says the theft is part of a larger pattern of persecution, while police have focused on solving this specific crime.
A Goddess Kali idol and several religious artefacts were stolen from Uttar Kalibari Temple in Faridpur city, Bangladesh.
The theft reportedly occurred between about 10:30 p.m. Saturday and 5:45 a.m. Sunday.
Stolen items included gold ornaments, brass idols, and a silver snake associated with a Shiva Linga.
Temple officials said the CCTV cameras were not functioning and the items had not been recovered.
Police said multiple teams were working to identify and arrest those responsible amid wider concerns over attacks on Hindu sites and minorities.
- Who
- Unknown thief or thieves targeted Uttar Kalibari Temple; temple officials and Bangladesh police are investigating.
- What
- A Goddess Kali idol, ornaments, brass idols, and a silver snake were stolen.
- When
- The theft reportedly occurred from about 10:30 p.m. Saturday to 5:45 a.m. Sunday; it was reported on Monday.
- Where
- Uttar Kalibari Temple in Faridpur city, Bangladesh.
- Why
- The motive has not been established; the incident has prompted wider concerns about attacks on Hindu temples and minorities.
Criminal Investigation
Broader Persecution Allegation
How the incident is being characterized
Criminal Investigation
Temple officials and police have described the event as a theft and are investigating the unknown perpetrator or perpetrators.
Broader Persecution Allegation
The Awami League says the theft reflects a wider pattern of persecution and discrimination against religious minorities in Bangladesh.
Evidence and accountability
Criminal Investigation
Police say teams are working to identify and arrest those responsible, while the stolen items have not yet been recovered.
Broader Persecution Allegation
The Awami League argues that alleged inaction by the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party government after other incidents demonstrates broader persecution.
- Location
- Uttar Kalibari Temple, Faridpur city, Bangladesh
- Stolen idol
- Goddess Kali idol weighing at least 20 kilograms
- Gold ornaments
- Approximately 7–8 tolas
- Other stolen items
- Small brass idols of Lord Vishnu, Radha-Krishna and Manasa
- Silver item
- A snake weighing approximately 8–10 tolas, wrapped around a Shiva Linga
- Security status
- Temple officials said the CCTV cameras were not functioning
- Police action
- Officer-in-Charge Mahmudul Hasan said several police teams were working to identify and arrest those involved