The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday criticised Bangladesh’s interim government over the demolition of the Durga temple in Khilkhet, Dhaka.
Speaking on the issue during the weekly media briefing, MEA 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, portrayed the episode as a case of illegal land use and permitted the destruction of the temple today.”
He stated that the demolition caused damage to the deity before it could be relocated.
Expressing dismay over the recurrence of such incidents, the MEA spokesperson said, “It is the responsibility of the interim government of Bangladesh to protect Hindus, their properties, and their religious institutions.”
The MEA’s response came hours after authorities in Dhaka demolished the Khilkhet Sarbajanin Durga Mandir on Thursday, reportedly under pressure from the country’s majority population.
Earlier in the day, a Hindu group had gathered at the temple to protest against the demolition but was dispersed by army personnel. A Bulldozer was then used to raze the temple.
According to reports, the Hindu community had requested additional time to relocate the deity, but the plea was ignored. The idols of deities, including Goddess Kali and Lord Shiva, were crushed under the bulldozer.
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