India criticises Bangladesh for demolition of Durga temple in Dhaka

The MEA condemned the demolition of a Durga temple in Dhaka's Khilkhet by Bangladesh Railway, saying the interim government failed to protect Hindu religious institutions

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has criticised Bangladesh’s interim government for “allowing the destruction” of a Durga temple in Dhaka and for portraying the incident as a case of “illegal land use”. The MEA added that it was “dismayed” by the recurrence of such events in the country.

 

Interim government ‘responsible for protecting Hindus’

 

When asked about the demolition of the Durga temple in Bangladesh at the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We understand that extremists were clamouring for demolishing the Durga temple in Khilkhet, Dhaka."

 

“The interim government, instead of providing security to the temple, projected the episode as illegal land use and they allowed the destruction of the temple today. This has resulted in damage to the deity before it was shifted,” he added.

 

 

“We are dismayed that such incidents continue to recur in Bangladesh. Let me underline that it is the responsibility of the interim government of Bangladesh to protect Hindus, their properties and religious institutions,” Jaiswal said.

 

Authorities cite encroachment as reason for temple demolition

 

Authorities from Bangladesh Railway, assisted by police and military personnel, demolished a temporary Durga temple in Dhaka’s Khilkhet area on Thursday, according to news agency ANI. The demolition occurred three days after a mob reportedly demanded the temple’s removal. 

 

Railway authorities stated that the Khilkhet Sarbojanin Shri Shri Durga Mandir was demolished as it had been built illegally on railway land.

 

The decision of the authorities has been condemned by several minority organisations, alleging that the authorities demolished the temple without giving prior notice. Bangladesh's interim government on December 10 last year said that 70 people had been arrested in 88 cases related to attacks against minorities in the country.

 

India-Bangladesh ties 

 

Relations between the two countries have been strained after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government, with India alleging that religious minorities in Bangladesh have faced increased threats. Dhaka, on the other hand, has dismissed India’s account as “exaggerated".