India voiced strong concern on Saturday over recent attacks on Hindu temples and mandaps in Bangladesh during the Durga Puja celebrations. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the incidents and urged the Bangladeshi government to safeguard its minority Hindu community.
The MEA highlighted two specific incidents: the attack on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka, and a theft at the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in Satkhira. The statement emphasized that these events reflect an ongoing pattern of temple desecration, which has occurred repeatedly over the past several days.
India Condemns Temple Desecration in Bangladesh
On Saturday, India strongly condemned the theft of a crown from the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple in Bangladesh, describing it as part of a “systematic pattern of desecration” targeting Hindu temples in the country.
The crown, made of silver and plated with gold, was presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Bangladesh in March 2021. The theft, which occurred during the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations, was caught on camera according to local reports.
In response, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement expressing deep concern. It highlighted both the theft at the Jeshoreshwari Temple in Satkhira and an attack on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka. “These are deplorable incidents,” the MEA said, noting that these events follow a disturbing pattern of attacks on temples and deities.
The MEA also urged the Bangladeshi government to protect the safety and security of Hindus and other minorities, especially during the Durga Puja festival. It emphasized the need to safeguard places of worship during this auspicious time.
The Jeshoreshwari Temple is a significant religious site, revered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas across India and neighboring countries.
Additionally, the ministry mentioned another troubling incident where a petrol bomb was thrown at a Durga Puja mandap in Dhaka’s Tantibazar area, injuring at least 20 people.
Also Read: Air India Express Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Trichy Due to In-Flight Malfunction
Hindu Community in Bangladesh Faces Violence and Threats
In Bangladesh, the Hindu minority, which makes up only about 8% of the country’s 170 million population, has been facing serious challenges. Following the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, violent protests erupted, during which Hindu-owned businesses and properties were vandalized, and several temples were destroyed.
As the Hindu community prepared for Durga Puja, an important religious festival, they received threats from Islamist groups. These groups warned them not to celebrate their festival publicly, claiming that it would hurt the feelings of the Muslim majority.
Since October 1, there have been 35 reported incidents related to the Durga Puja celebrations, according to The Dhaka Tribune, which quoted Inspector General of Police Md Moinul Islam. In response to these incidents, 11 cases have been filed, 24 general diaries (GD) have been registered (a formal record of complaints), and 17 people have been arrested.
These actions are part of the efforts to address the attacks and ensure the safety of the Hindu community during the ongoing festival.
Also Read: Ratan Tata, Former Chairman of Tata Sons, Died at the Age of 86
FAQs
Q.1. Why is India concerned about attacks on Hindu temples in Bangladesh?
Ans. India has condemned the recent attacks on Hindu temples and mandaps during Durga Puja celebrations, urging Bangladesh to ensure the safety of its minority Hindu community.
Q.2. What incidents have occurred during Durga Puja in Bangladesh?
Ans. Incidents include the theft of a crown from the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple and an attack on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka, which India has strongly condemned.
Q.3. What did India say about the desecration of Hindu temples in Bangladesh?
Ans. India described the incidents as part of a “systematic pattern of desecration” and called on Bangladesh to protect its Hindu minority and their places of worship.
Q.4. How is Bangladesh addressing the attacks on the Hindu community during Durga Puja?
Ans. According to local reports, Bangladesh has registered 11 cases, 24 general diaries, and arrested 17 people in response to the violence.
Q.5. Why is the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple significant?
Ans. The Jeshoreshwari Kali temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, revered religious sites across India and neighboring countries, making it highly significant for Hindus.
