New Delhi—India has officially raised alarms regarding a series of alarming attacks on temples and puja mandaps in Bangladesh, expressing “serious concern” to the interim government in Dhaka. These incidents, which include vandalism, robbery, and defacement, have sparked calls for heightened security for Hindus and other minority groups during this festive time.
In a statement, India’s Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the severity of the situation: “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.”
Recent reports indicate a crude bomb was thrown at a Durga Puja pandal in the Tantibazar area of Dhaka, igniting a fire, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. Additionally, a significant theft occurred at the renowned Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple, where a silver crown, placed on the goddess’s idol by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2021, was stolen.
Durga Puja, a major festival for Bengali Hindus, coincides with the nine-night Hindu celebration of Navratri, culminating in the festival of Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami.
Religious freedoms in Bangladesh have come under scrutiny, particularly under the leadership of Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, who is currently serving as the Chief Adviser to the interim government following the political upheaval that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Yunus has described the attacks as “politically motivated” rather than communal, suggesting that they stem from a complex political landscape where many Hindus are perceived to have supported the former Awami League government.
He stated, “I have said this to (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi also that this is exaggerated. This issue has several dimensions. When the country went through an upheaval following the atrocities by (Sheikh) Hasina and the Awami League, those who were with them also faced attacks.”
India is closely monitoring the situation, noting a “systematic pattern of desecration” in these attacks. The Ministry of External Affairs has labeled the recent incidents “deplorable,” calling attention to the violence against the puja mandap in Tantibazar and the theft at the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple.
