'Systematic Pattern Of Desecration': India Condemns Bangladesh Over Attacks On Hindu Temples

India on Saturday condemned the ongoing attacks on Hindu temples in Bangladesh as “deplorable” and urged the neighbouring country to ensure the “safety and security of Hindus and all minorities” amid Durga Puja celebrations.

The statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) came a day after the theft of a golf crown of Goddess Kali, which had been gifted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, from the revered Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in the southwestern Satkhira district of Bangladesh.

The Ministry of External Affairs said the attack on a puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka, and the theft at the Kali temple in Satkhira are of “serious concern.”

“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,” the ministry stated.

The ministry further urged the Bangladesh government to ensure “the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship, especially during this auspicious festival time.”

Yunus Visits Dhakeshwari Temple Following Vandalism

Meanwhile, Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor to the interim government of Bangladesh, visited the centuries-old Dhakeshwari temple on Saturday amid reports of an attack on another prominent Durga Puja celebration in the national capital.

Yunus said at the temple that the government wants to build Bangladesh in such a way “where each and every citizen’s right will be ensured.”

A crude bomb was allegedly thrown at a Durga Puja mandap in the Tanti Bazar area of Old Dhaka. Although the bomb caught fire, no one was injured, according to the daily Prothom Alo, which reported that the incident took place on Friday night.

From October 1 to Friday, 17 people were arrested and about a dozen cases were registered after Bangladesh experienced around 35 incidents related to the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations, The Dhaka Tribune reported, quoting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Moinul Islam.

(With inputs from agencies)