'Grave concerns': India slams Bangladesh over Durga temple demolition in Dhaka; slams Yunus govt of inaction

NEW DELHI: India on Thursday strongly condemned the demolition of Durga temple in Khilkhet, Dhaka, expressing deep concerns over the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government's handling of the incident and accusing it of siding with extremist elements.

Addressing a press briefing, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We understand that extremists were clamouring for the demolition of the Durga temple in Khilkhet, Dhaka. The interim government, instead of providing security to the temple, projected the episode as a case of illegal land use and allowed the destruction of the temple today."


The MEA stated that the temple was demolished despite the possibility of protecting the premises, and that the deity itself was damaged before being relocated. "This has resulted in damage to the deity before it was relocated. We are dismayed that such incidents continue to recur in Bangladesh," Jaiswal added.

India also reminded Bangladesh of its responsibility towards minority communities. "Let me underline that it is the responsibility of the interim government of Bangladesh to protect Hindus, their properties, and their religious institutions," said the MEA spokesperson.

The temple’s demolition has sparked outrage among Hindu groups and rights activists, who see it as part of a recurring pattern of attacks on minority religious sites in Bangladesh