India has reacted strongly to the recent spate of attacks on Durga Puja pandals and Hindu temples in Bangladesh, labeling the incidents as part of a “systematic pattern of desecration.” In a statement released on October 12, the Ministry of External Affairs expressed serious concern over the attack on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka, and the theft at the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in Satkhira.
“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. These are deplorable events,” the ministry stated. The attacks have raised alarm, especially as Bangladesh has reported approximately 35 incidents related to the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations across the country this month, according to Dhaka Police.
The Indian government’s condemnation comes on the heels of the shocking theft of a hand-crafted golden mukut (crown) gifted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from a Hindu temple in Satkhira during the festive period. “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.
The five-day Durga Puja festival, which began with the invocation of Goddess Durga on Maha Shasthi on Wednesday, is a significant occasion for the Hindu community, which constitutes approximately 8 percent of Bangladesh’s 170 million population. Sadly, the festival has been marred by incidents of vandalism and violence against Hindu properties and temples, particularly following the political unrest after the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5.
According to the Dhaka Tribune, since October 1, the country has witnessed 35 incidents associated with Durga Puja, resulting in 11 cases filed, 24 general diaries registered, and 17 arrests made. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Moinul Islam, who visited the Banani Puja Mandap in Dhaka, assured that Durga Puja was being celebrated at over 32,000 mandaps nationwide.
In a disturbing incident earlier this week, a group of men sang a song calling for an Islamic revolution at a Durga Puja mandap at Jatra Mohan Sen Hall in Chattogram, sparking outrage among the community.
On Sunday, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is expected to visit the historic Dhakeswari national temple, one of the prominent Shakti Peeths, in Dhaka. Last month, amid growing threats from Islamist groups ahead of the festival, the interim government’s Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain had warned of strict actions against anyone disrupting communal harmony or targeting places of worship during Durga Puja.
As the festival progresses, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and security of the Hindu community in Bangladesh, emphasizing the need for peace and respect for all religious practices.
