India Criticizes Attacks on Hindu Temples in Bangladesh Amid Growing Concerns

India's Ministry of External Affairs expressed strong disapproval over the string of violent incidents targeting Hindu temples in Bangladesh, characterizing them as "deplorable events." The condemnation follows several attacks on Puja mandaps during Durga Puja celebrations, particularly in Dhaka's Tantibazar area. Reports also surfaced about the theft of a crown from the revered Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in Satkhira, which was gifted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2021.

The incidents have reignited concerns about the safety of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, with India's government calling for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice. Indian officials voiced their frustration over what they described as a recurring pattern of attacks on Hindu religious sites. India’s Ministry of External Affairs noted that the desecration of these temples is part of a broader trend of violence seen over the past few years.

Indian officials stated that the attacks on Puja mandaps and temples are highly concerning and reflective of a growing insecurity for the Hindu community in Bangladesh. They emphasized that the protection of religious minorities is critical, urging the Bangladeshi authorities to address the situation decisively.