India Raises Alarm Over Attacks On Hindu Temples In Bangladesh, Demands Protection For Minorities

India has asked Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship.

This comes after a crude bomb was hurled at a Durga Puja pandal and the theft of Goddess Kali's crown from Jeshoreshwari temple in the neighbouring nation.

"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 (MEA) said in a statement.

"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 MEA said.

"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 ministry added.

This comes after the Goddess Kali's crown, which was gifted to the temple by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2021, was stolen on Thursday. 

On Friday night, miscreants threw a petrol bomb at a Durga Puja pandal in Old Dhaka, leading to a stampede-like situation.

Though the bomb caught fire, nobody was injured.

The assailants fled the scene even as fear gripped the minority community.

Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh have been under attack after the fall of Sheikh Hasina government on 5 August.

The new military-backed Interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has failed to curb the violence against Hindus and other minorities.

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