Systematic desecration: India condemns attack on pandal, theft at temple in Bangladesh

A day after a petrol bomb was hurled at a Durga Puja pandal in Bangladesh, India called upon the Government in Dhaka to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship, especially during this auspicious festival time.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday stated, “We have noted with serious concern”. It mentioned the incident saying it happened at a puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka. It also referred to the theft of a gold-plated crown from the revered Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple at Satkhira.

“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,” it stated.

The government in Bangladesh is headed by Mohd Yunus, who took over on August 8 after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had to flee the country amid street protests.

On Friday, miscreants threw a petrol bomb at a puja pandal in Dhaka, leading to a stampede-like situation. A loud sound was heard after the petrol bomb was hurled in the area, following which the attackers fled the scene.

The Hindu community has also raised concerns over Islamic songs being played during Durga Puja celebrations. Some persons took over the stage at Chittagong and started singing Islamic songs.

The Indian High Commission in Bangladesh has expressed "deep concern" and taken up the matter with the authorities in Dhaka. It posted on social media platform X, “We have seen reports of theft of the crown gifted by PM Modi to Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple (Satkhira) in 2021”.

“We express deep concern and urge Government of Bangladesh to investigate theft, recover the crown and take action against the perpetrators,” the High Commission stated.