India on Saturday expressed serious concern over the attacks and theft on Hindu temples and pandals in Bangladesh during the Durga Puja festival. Reportedly, a fire bomb was thrown at a temple in Dhaka's Tantibazar creating panic among the devotees. A theft was also reported at a Kali temple in Bangladesh during the ongoing celebrations.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement requested the Dhaka government to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and minorities in the country.
MEA had termed the incidents as "deplorable" and said these follow a "systematic pattern of desecration" of temples in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh: Radical Islamist have just now attacked the puja hall of Dhaka's Tanti Bazar Puja Committee with a petrol bomb. Reportedly several Hindus were injured in this attack. pic.twitter.com/aiThJfrSh6
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) October 11, 2024
"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 MEA said.
Reportedly, the incident took place on Friday and five people were injured during the chaos.
Friday marked the ninth and the last day of Navratri.
"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," 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," it added.
A Goddess Kali crown gifted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a famous temple in Bangladesh in 2021 was stolen. India had urged the government to recover the stolen crown.
The crown, made of silver and gold-plated, was stolen from the Jeshoreshwari temple in Satkhira's Shyamnagar.
A probe has been launched into the incident.
The Indian High Commission in Dhaka said, "We express deep concern and urge the government of Bangladesh to investigate theft, recover the crown, and take action against the perpetrators. "
Meanwhile, 17 people have been arrested in connection with around 35 violent incidents related to Durga Puja celebrations this month, said Bangladesh police.
