In the early hours of Sunday, an act of arson targeted the Gournitai Temple located within the Tarapur tea estate in the Pathantula area of Sylhet city. The temple, constructed from bamboo and tin, suffered significant damage, with sacred images of Lord Krishna, copies of the Bhagavad Gita, and various ritual items being consumed by the flames.
Local witnesses discovered the aftermath around 7:00 a.m., observing smoke still rising from portions of the building. Alarmed, tea estate workers quickly gathered at the site. Shortly afterwards, BNP leaders and police officials arrived to inspect the scene. Temple authorities are preparing to file a General Diary (GD) with the police to formally record the incident.
Sunil Modi, General Secretary of the Tarapur Tea Estate Panchayet, told Prothom Alo, “It is not yet clear who was responsible for setting the temple on fire or their motives. The blaze has destroyed a section of the temple and completely damaged sacred items, including the Bhagavad Gita, images of Krishna, donation funds, and other religious paraphernalia.”
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Background and Local Impact
The Tarapur tea estate lies within the urban area of Sylhet city, although administratively it falls under the Tuker Bazar Union of Sylhet Sadar Upazila. The Gournitai Temple was established nearly three years ago and has since been a regular place of worship for tea estate workers. Residents have expressed fear and concern following the fire, urging authorities to swiftly identify the perpetrators and ensure justice.
Political Leaders Visit
At around 10:30 a.m., Sylhet Metropolitan BNP Acting President Rezaul Hasan Kayes Lodi, Tuker Bazar Union Chairman Shafiqul Rahman (Shafik), local residents Sajib Khan and Afsar Khan, along with other party activists, visited the temple. They called on the police to expedite the investigation, identify the culprits, and bring them to justice.
Speaking at the site, Rezaul Hasan Kayes Lodi said, “This is a deeply troubling incident. The elections have just concluded, and our nation is progressing on a democratic path. Arson targeting a temple and sacred texts at this time appears intended to create unrest. Sylhet is a city known for communal harmony, and those responsible must be held accountable under the law.”
Police Response
Shah Mubashir Ali, Officer-in-Charge of Sylhet Metropolitan Airport Police Station, confirmed that the police visited the scene promptly after receiving reports. “We are investigating all leads to identify the individuals involved, and we are also examining the motives behind this incident,” he stated.
Extent of Damage
| Affected Item | Damage Description |
|---|---|
| Temple Structure (bamboo & tin) | Partial collapse and severe fire damage |
| Images of Krishna | Completely destroyed |
| Bhagavad Gita copies | Reduced to ashes |
| Ritual items & offerings | Half destroyed |
| Monetary donations | Partially damaged |
The arson has left local workers and residents shaken, highlighting the vulnerability of communal spaces and the importance of timely law enforcement action. Authorities continue to investigate the incident while community members demand accountability to prevent such acts in the future.