India has strongly condemned the demolition of a Durga temple in Khilkhet, Dhaka, calling out the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government for attempting to frame the incident as a case of illegal land use.
Addressing a press briefing on Thursday, 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”
“This has resulted in damage to the deity before it was shifted. We are dismayed that such incidents continue to recur in Bangladesh. Let me underline that it is the responsibility of the interim government of Bangladesh to protect Hindus, their properties, and their religious institutions,” he added.
India reminded Bangladesh of its duty to safeguard minorities. “Let me underline that it is the responsibility of the interim government of Bangladesh to protect Hindus, their properties, and their religious institutions,” the MEA spokesperson said.
(With agency input)