India has strongly condemned the demolition of a Durga temple in Dhaka’s Khilkhet area, sharply criticizing the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of Bangladesh for its inaction and alleged siding with extremist elements. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, has triggered widespread outrage among Hindu groups and rights activists, further straining bilateral relations between the two neighbors.
At a press briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed grave concerns over the incident, stating, “We understand that extremists were clamouring for the demolition of the Durga temple in Khilkhet, Dhaka. The interim government, instead of providing security to the temple, projected the episode as a case of illegal land use and allowed the destruction of the temple today.” Jaiswal added that the demolition resulted in damage to the deity before it was relocated, and lamented the recurring nature of such incidents in Bangladesh.
The demolition, carried out by Bangladesh Railway authorities with police and military assistance, took place despite protests from Hindu devotees at the site. Visuals from the scene showed bulldozers razing the makeshift temple while the Durga idol was still inside, and officials reportedly ignored pleas from worshippers to spare the structure. The Bangladeshi authorities have justified the action by claiming the temple was an illegal structure built on railway land.
India’s MEA underscored Bangladesh’s responsibility to safeguard its minority communities. “It is the responsibility of the interim government of Bangladesh to protect Hindus, their properties, and their religious institutions,” Jaiswal emphasized, adding that India is dismayed that such incidents continue to recur in Bangladesh.
The demolition has sparked calls for protests by Hindu organizations in Bangladesh, with the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatani Jagran Jote condemning the act as disgusting communal behaviour of the state and planning demonstrations in Dhaka. The Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) also highlighted similar recent attacks on temples, describing them as attempts to terrorize the Hindu minority.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously raised concerns over the safety of minorities in Bangladesh, urging the Yunus government to ensure their protection and to investigate cases of atrocities thoroughly.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in Bangladesh following political upheaval and a series of attacks on minority religious sites since the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year.
Key Points:
India condemns demolition of Durga temple in Dhaka, accuses Bangladesh interim government of inaction and siding with extremists.
The temple was razed by Bangladesh Railway authorities, who cited illegal land use; the demolition damaged the deity and ignored protests from devotees.
India reiterates Bangladesh’s responsibility to protect minorities and their religious institutions.
Outrage and protests erupt among Hindu groups and rights activists in both countries.
Incident adds to a pattern of attacks on minority religious sites in Bangladesh, escalating diplomatic tensions.
