Dhaka’s Dhakeswari Temple Was Guarded by Hindus and Muslims After Sheikh Hasina’s Fall

Dhaka’s Dhakeswari Temple Was Guarded by Hindus and Muslims After Sheikh Hasina’s Fall. In a powerful display of unity and communal harmony, Hindus and Muslims came together to protect the ancient Dhakeswari Temple in Dhaka following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government in Bangladesh.

The revered temple, located in old Dhaka, has long been a symbol of religious tolerance, with the chimes of its bells often blending with the call to prayer from nearby mosques.

The Dhakeswari Temple, one of the prominent ‘shakti peethas,’ is not just a place of worship for Hindus; it serves as a sanctuary for people of all faiths. “Maa Dhakeswari is a mother to all, regardless of religion,” says Ashim Maitro, a senior priest at the temple.

For 15 years, Maitro has served the temple, witnessing firsthand how people from various religious backgrounds come to seek solace, prosperity, and peace.

On August 5, during the peak of anti-government protests that led to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fleeing to India, Maitro found himself at the temple, concerned for its safety. The political chaos had left the area unprotected, with no police presence.

However, in a heartwarming act of solidarity, local community members, including both Hindus and Muslims, gathered outside the temple to ensure it remained unharmed.

Despite the unrest, the temple continued its daily rituals without interruption. “We never stopped our puja,” Maitro recalls. The temple committee and local devotees made sure that the ‘bhog’ (offering) was prepared and served according to tradition.

The shrine, open to visitors from 7 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm, remained a beacon of hope and resilience during those tumultuous days.

As the situation stabilized, an interim government was formed, with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus appointed as the Chief Adviser. On August 13, Yunus visited the Dhakeswari Temple, extending his support to the Hindu community.

His visit was marked by traditional rituals, including the beating of the ‘dhak’ (a type of drum), and a respectful homage to the deity.

Now, with police protection restored, the temple continues to welcome visitors from all over Bangladesh and India. About 1,000 people visit daily, seeking blessings and participating in various religious activities.

Maitro, who was born in 1971, the year of Bangladesh’s independence, expresses his optimism: “Now, it feels normal here.”

Maitro’s message to the Indian government and the Hindu community in India is one of unity and peace. “We are brothers, and peace must prevail,” he says. This sentiment is echoed by other members of the Hindu community in Dhaka, who find solace in the temple’s serene environment.

The Dhakeswari Temple is not just a place of worship but a hub of community activities. Members of the Hindu community are now preparing for the upcoming Janmashtami festival, which marks the birth of Lord Krishna.

The celebration, set for August 26, will be attended by various dignitaries from the interim government, further solidifying the temple’s role as a symbol of unity and harmony in a diverse society.

The Dhakeswari Temple stands as a testament to the power of communal harmony. In times of crisis, it has brought together people from different faiths, proving that peace and unity can thrive even in the most challenging circumstances.

As the temple gears up for future celebrations, it continues to be a beacon of hope for all who seek refuge in its sacred walls.