19 October, 2026 – DHAKA, Bangladesh :- A 25-year-old man was detained at a Hindu Durga Puja mandap in Pallabi, Dhaka, after allegedly attempting to approach an idol with the intention of vandalizing it, according to a report by the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party.
The incident reportedly occurred at around 10 p.m. on Sunday, October 18, at the Sarbojanin Shri Shri Ram Temple Puja Mandap in Bauniabad Ravidash Para, Pallabi.
According to the report, Hasan Islam Tushar, 25, entered the mandap area posing as a visitor while allegedly carrying locally made tools and weapons. Assistant Section Commander (APC) Md. Abul Khayer, who was responsible for security at the temple, reportedly noticed his suspicious movements.
The report alleges that Tushar crossed a designated bamboo barrier and moved toward the idols in an apparent attempt to vandalize them. Abul Khayer intervened and detained him at the scene.
A subsequent search of Tushar’s bag reportedly recovered a large da (machete), a hammer, a chisel, and other tools.
The detained man and the seized items were handed over to Pallabi Police Station for legal action, according to the report.
Security was subsequently strengthened around the mandap. The report stated that the situation had returned to normal and that local Puja committee members and worshippers praised the Ansar personnel for their response.
However, the suspect’s alleged intention and the circumstances of the incident have not been independently verified. Further investigation is needed to establish whether an attempted act of vandalism or another offence occurred.
