Eight temples and prayer rooms were targeted by thieves in two nights in Bhunbir Union of Sreemangal upazila in Moulvibazar, raising concern among the local Hindu community ahead of Durga Puja.

The thefts took place on September 3 and 5 in Bhimsi and Shashan villages and nearby areas of the union.

The thieves took cash from donation boxes, brass and bronze utensils, musical instruments and brass idols, according to local residents and the Bhunbir Union unit of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad.

Among the stolen items was a traditional brass idol of Gopal from the Sri Sri Madan Mohan Jiu Akhra.

The stolen valuables have yet to be recovered. Police, however, have arrested one suspected person in connection with the incidents.

Md Abdur Razzak, inspector (investigation) of Sreemangal Police Station, said police had visited the affected sites and were working to identify those involved.

Most of the prayer rooms are located outside residential houses, leaving them relatively vulnerable. With Durga Puja approaching, everyone needs to remain alert and take preventive measures,” he said.

The police official said no written complaint had been filed with the police station as of Monday night.

He said legal action would be taken after receiving a formal complaint.

Meanwhile, local residents have decided to strengthen security in the area following the repeated thefts.

An emergency meeting was held at Bhimsi Radhagobinda Seba Ashram around 8:30pm on Monday, organised by the Bhunbir Union Puja Udjapan Parishad.

More than 100 local residents and BNP leaders attended the meeting, where the security situation was discussed.

The meeting decided to form separate committees in different neighbourhoods to arrange night patrols and guard temples and prayer rooms.

Biswajit Deb, general secretary of the Bhunbir Union unit of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, confirmed the decision.

He demanded the immediate arrest of everyone involved in the thefts and the recovery of the stolen valuables.