India feels 'dismayed' over demolition of Hindu temple in Bangladesh, criticises Muhammad Yunus-led govt

The demolition of the temple marked yet another instance of atrocities faced by minorities, specifically Hindus, in the South Asian country, which is witnessing political turmoil since former PM Sheikh Hasina's ouster during the July-August uprising on August 5, 2024.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly brefing: "The interim government, instead of providing security to the temple, projected the episode as illegal land use allowing … and they allowed the destruction of the temple today. This has resulted in damage to the deity before it was shifted."

Jaiswal said it is the responsibility of the interim government to protect Hindus in the Muslim-majority country.

"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 religious institutions," he said.

According to media reports, authorities in Bangladesh demolished a makeshift Durga temple as part of the demolition drive in Dhaka on Thursday, speaking off yet another controversy.

The Khilkhet Durga Temple, which was allegedly built on railway land, was bulldozed on Thursday in the presence of a huge number of police and security personnel despite protests by Hindu community members, reported India Today.

Despite protests by Hindus, Bangladeshi security personnel removed them forcefully to execute the demolition.

The relationship between India and Bangladesh touched a new low point after the interim government took charge of the country last year.

The country has also witnessed a spike in attacks on minorities since Hasina's ouster.

Netizens React To The Demolition Of Temple

A large section of X users have expressed their displaeasure over the demolition of the Durga Temple.

Indian journalist Aditya Raj Kaul wrote on X: "Remains of a Durga Temple in Dhaka, Bangladesh under the supervision of Muhammad Yunus Interim Government. They don’t need Islamist radicals to vandalise Hindu temples, state gives official sanction for targeting minorities."

Another X handle Hindu Voice said: "Muhammad Yunus-led terr*orist government is demolishing Durga Temple in #Dhaka."

An X handle named Bangladesi Hindu Community said: "This ws done under the orders of #Yunus. YT Yunus claims that Hindus in Bangladesh are safe under his leadership. Even the idols of Kali & Shiva have bn destroyed by bulldozers."

Netizen Redowan Ibne Saiful posted on X: "The Shri Durga Temple in Dhaka's Khilkhet has been demolished by Tyrant Yunus. Is the global media aware of the brutal rampage @ChiefAdviserGoB is carrying out in Bangladesh?"