By Sulagna Halder
New Delhi, 27 June 2025:
India held Bangladesh's interim government accountable for the safety of its minority communities during unstable times, on Thursday, expressing profound dismay over the destruction of a Durga temple in Khilkhet, Dhaka.
India's serious concern was expressed by Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, who said: "We understand that extremists were clamoring for demolishing the Durga temple in Khilkhet, Dhaka." He also pointed out that the interim administration failed to protect the site, characterizing the incident as a "illegal land use" case, which resulted in the deity being damaged prior to relocation.
India emphasized that temple demolitions of this kind are not unique. "It is the responsibility of the interim government of Bangladesh to protect Hindus, their properties, and religious institutions," Jaiswal emphasized. This announcement coincides with reports of escalating hostilities and assaults on religious minorities following Bangladesh's political leadership transition. Despite local Hindus' protests, rail authorities in Khilkhet demolished a temporary Durga worship site. Sammilito Sanatani Jagran Jote, a Hindu organization from Bangladesh, called the act "shocking and outrageous" and called for more action. Even as devotees staged nonviolent protests, photos taken at the location depict the temple being destroyed.
India's warning is consistent with earlier MEA declarations regarding systematic temple desecration, including thefts and petrol bomb attacks during festivals. There have been at least 152 temple attacks and 23 Hindu fatalities in Bangladesh since August of last year, according to official data, raising concerns about the rise in intercommunal violence. Dhaka has been repeatedly urged by the MEA to take decisive action and guarantee the safety of all minorities. Spokesperson Jaiswal and Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh have previously stated: "The government of Bangladesh bears the primary responsibility for the protection of life and liberty of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities."
India's stance coincides with an increase in bilateral tensions. In reaction to non tariff barriers placed on Indian exports to Bangladesh earlier this year, New Delhi partially implemented trade restrictions. Following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the appointment of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as interim leader, the temple demolition may put additional diplomatic strain at a delicate moment.
Dhaka hasn't officially replied yet. India is still on guard, though, and has requested that its High Commission in Dhaka keep a careful eye on developments pertaining to temple security and minority safety.
