DHAKA / NEW DELHI – The demolition of a Durga Temple in Dhaka by Bangladeshi authorities, who cited it as an “illegal makeshift structure,” has drawn a sharp rebuke from India, which is urging Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of its Hindu minority. The incident, carried out by Bangladesh Railway officials with police and military assistance, occurred just days after extremists had publicly demanded the temple’s removal, and visuals from the site reportedly showed bulldozers bringing down the structure with the Durga idol still inside, despite appeals from devotees.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed dismay, stating, “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.” He underlined that “it is the responsibility of the interim government of Bangladesh to protect Hindus, their properties, and their religious institutions.”
This incident intensifies India’s ongoing concerns about the targeting of minorities in Bangladesh under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously raised these concerns directly with Mr. Yunus during their meeting on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok, emphasizing India’s expectation that Bangladesh would thoroughly investigate atrocities against minorities and ensure their security.
The Khilkhet Sarbojanin Shri Shri Durga Mandir, as the temple was known, was demolished on grounds of being built illegally on railway land. However, minority groups in Bangladesh have condemned the demolition, alleging that authorities did not provide prior notice and that only the temple was targeted while other alleged illegal establishments on railway land remained untouched. This event casts a long shadow over India-Bangladesh ties and revives questions about the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh, particularly as the country navigates political transitions.