Systematic pattern of desecration: India condemns theft at Bangladesh temple

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs raised concerns over the situation of minorities in Bangladesh, highlighting the attack on a Durga Puja mandap in Dhaka and theft at the revered Jeshoreshwari Kali temple.

In Short

• Crown of Goddess Kali stolen at Jeshoreshwari Temple in Bangladesh
• India urges Bangladesh to protect Hindu minorities
• New Delhi also condemns petrol bomb attack on Puja mandap in Dhaka

India on Saturday condemned the theft of a crown of Goddess Kali at a temple in Bangladesh, calling it a "systematic pattern of desecration" in the country.

The silver, gold-plated crown for the Hindu deity at the Jeshoreshwari Temple in Satkhira was gifted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Bangladesh in March 2021. According to local reports, the crown was stolen during the ongoing Durga Puja and the theft was caught on camera.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, "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," the statement read.

The Jeshoreshwari Temple is revered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas spread across India and neighbouring countries.

The Ministry also highlighted an incident in Dhaka's Tantibazar area on Friday, where a petrol bomb was thrown at a Durga Puja mandap. At least 20 people were injured in the attack.

The minority Hindu population -- Hindus constitute just about 8 per cent of the 170 million Bangladesh population -- faced vandalism of their businesses, and properties and destruction of temples during the student-led violence that erupted following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5.

Before the beginning of Durga Puja, the Hindu community received threats from Islamist groups, who warned them about not celebrating their festival openly as it violated the sentiments of majority Muslims.

"Since October 1, 35 incidents related to the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations have occurred across the country, leading to 11 cases being filed, 24 general diaries (GD) registered, and 17 individuals arrested," newspaper The Dhaka Tribune said quoting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Moinul Islam.