India registers strong protest over attack on Puja mandap, theft at Bangladesh temple: ‘Systematic pattern of desecration…’

Seventeen persons have been arrested and about a dozen cases registered after Bangladesh witnessed about 35 untoward incidents related to the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations across the country this month

India on Saturday “noted with serious concern” the attack on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka and the theft at the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple at Satkhira in Bangladesh, and termed them as “deplorable events”.

In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) 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,” the statement read.

The MEA urged 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 comes after an incident of a 'crude bomb' being thrown at a Durga Puja Mandap in the Tantibazar area of Old Dhaka came to light. The bomb caught fire slightly and no one was injured in the incident, Bangladesh-based Prothomalo reported.

A hand-crafted golden mukut (crown) gifted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was stolen from a Hindu temple in Bangladesh's southwestern Satkhira district amid Durga Puja celebrations.

Seventeen persons have been arrested and about a dozen cases registered after Bangladesh witnessed about 35 untoward incidents related to the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations across the country this month.

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.

“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.