India on Thursday strongly condemned the demolition of a Hindu temple in Dhaka‘s Khilkhet area, voicing serious concerns over the Muhammad Yunus-led Bangladesh interim government’s handling of the incident and accusing it of aligning with extremist elements.
The demolition of the Durga temple marked yet another instance of atrocities faced by minorities, specifically Hindus, in Bangladesh, which is witnessing political turmoil since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the July-August uprising last year.
‘Grave Concerns’
During a weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The interim government, instead of providing security to the temple, projected the episode as illegal land use allowing … and they allowed the destruction of the temple today. This has resulted in damage to the deity before it was shifted.”
Jaiswal said it is the responsibility of the interim government to protect Hindus in the Muslim-majority country.
“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,” he said.
Demolished By ‘Authorities’
According to media reports, authorities in Bangladesh demolished a makeshift Durga temple as part of the demolition drive in Dhaka on Thursday, speaking off yet another controversy.
The Khilkhet Durga Temple, which was allegedly built on railway land, was bulldozed on Thursday in the presence of a huge number of police and security personnel despite protests by Hindu community members, reported India Today.
Despite protests by Hindus, Bangladeshi security personnel removed them forcefully to execute the demolition.
The relationship between India and Bangladesh touched a new low point after the interim government took charge of the country last year.
The country has also witnessed a spike in attacks on minorities since Hasina’s ouster.
(With inputs from IBNS)
