NewsGate Press Network

By Vineet Dikshit

India has expressed serious concern over an attack on a Durga Puja pandal in Bangladesh asking government in Dhaka to ensure safety and security of Hindu community and their places of worship.

MEA statement came after an alleged petrol bomb attack on a Durga Puja pandal in Dhaka and theft of the gold-plated crown of Goddess Kali gifted by PM Modi at a temple in Satkhira,

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that these attacks follow a systematic pattern of desecration and damage to temples and deities being witnessed currently.

“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. They follow a systematic pattern of desecration and damage to temples and deities that we have witnessed over several days now.

“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.”

On Friday, a petrol bomb was thrown at a Durga Puja mandap in the Tanti Bazar neighbourhood in Dhaka. The CCTV footage showed a group of youths hurling the petrol bomb at the idol of Goddess Durga and running through the side gate.

They apparently also stabbed devotees who attempted to stop them, resulting in injuries to five persons.

On Friday, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka expressed deep concern over the theft of a gold-plated crown gifted by Prime Minister Modi to the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple in Satkhira, Bangladesh, in 2021 during his visit to the country.

The Indian High Commission also urged the Bangladesh interim government to investigate the theft and recover the crown, and take action against the perpetrators.