India has called upon the Government of Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship
India on Saturday expressed its “serious concern” over multiple attacks on temples, puja mandaps and shrines in Bangladesh since it has been hit by political crisis with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus currently overseeing the affairs of the interim government in the country as its chief adviser.
 
“We have noted with serious concern the attack on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka and the theft at the revered Jeshoreshwari Kali temple at Satkhira,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.
 
Members of the minority Hindu community and their religious symbols in Bangladesh have faced attacks ever since a political crisis rocked the country following the toppling of the Sheikh Hasina-led government there in August this year.
 
On Friday, local media reports said that a crown for the Hindu deity at the famous Jeshoreshwari temple in Satkhira, gifted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Bangladesh in March 2021, was stolen during the ongoing Durga puja and the theft was caught on camera.
 
“We have seen reports of theft of the crown gifted by PM Modi to Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple (Satkhira) in 2021 during his visit to Bangladesh. We express deep concern & urge Govt of Bangladesh to investigate theft, recover the crown & take action against the perpetrators,” the Dhaka-based Indian High Commission said in a post on X on October 11.
 
As per Prothom Alo, a Bangladeshi newspaper, reported that a “crude bomb was thrown” at a Durga Puja pandal in Tantibazar area in Dhaka's old city.

While quoting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Moinul Islam, The Dhaka Tribune said, “Since October 1, 35 incidents related to the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations have occurred across the country, leading to 11 cases being filed, 24 general diaries (GD) registered, and 17 individuals arrested.”
 
The MEA said, “These are deplorable events. They follow a systematic pattern of desecration and damage to temples and deities that we have witnessed over several days now.”

“We call upon the Government of Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship, especially during this auspicious festival time,” the MEA further added.