India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has voiced strong concerns over the deteriorating security situation faced by Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, following a series of violent incidents that have targeted religious sites and individuals during the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations. One of the most significant events involved the theft of a sacred crown from the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple in Satkhira, a revered site among Hindus and one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. The stolen crown, made of silver and gold, had been gifted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 2021 visit to Bangladesh as a symbol of cultural and spiritual ties between the two nations. The theft, caught on surveillance cameras, occurred amidst the festivities, further amplifying the concerns about the safety of Hindu religious sites.
In addition to the theft, the MEA also condemned a violent petrol bomb attack on a Durga Puja mandap in the Tantibazar area of Dhaka, which left at least 20 people injured. The ministry described these incidents as part of a "systematic pattern of desecration and damage" to Hindu temples and religious symbols across Bangladesh, raising alarms about the recurring violence against minorities, particularly during the most significant Hindu festival in the region. These attacks come amid a wider pattern of threats and intimidation, with Islamist groups warning Hindus not to celebrate Durga Puja publicly, claiming it violated the religious sentiments of the Muslim majority.
The MEA’s statement urged the Bangladeshi government to take immediate and effective steps to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all other minority groups, particularly during religious festivals, which should be a time of celebration and peace. The ministry emphasized the need for robust protection for minority communities' religious sites, calling the recent attacks "deplorable" and demanding that the Bangladeshi authorities act decisively to prevent further harm.
The theft at the Jeshoreshwari Temple and the bombing in Dhaka are not isolated incidents but part of a broader climate of unrest and hostility towards Bangladesh's Hindu minority, which comprises around 8% of the country’s population of approximately 170 million. Following the political upheaval and protests that erupted after the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, Hindu-owned businesses and properties have been subject to widespread vandalism and destruction. These attacks have intensified during Durga Puja, with reports of temples being damaged, idols desecrated, and religious processions being disrupted.
According to Bangladesh's law enforcement, the situation remains volatile. Since the beginning of Durga Puja in October, 35 incidents related to the festival have been reported nationwide. In response, 11 formal cases have been filed, 24 general diaries (GD) registered, and 17 individuals arrested. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Moinul Islam, quoted in local media reports, noted that efforts are underway to maintain law and order, but the scale of the violence has sparked fears about the safety of minorities in Bangladesh.
The MEA's call for stronger measures comes at a critical time, as Bangladesh’s minority Hindu community faces increasing threats to their religious freedom and personal safety. India's diplomatic intervention highlights the need for regional cooperation to address rising intolerance and to protect the cultural and religious heritage shared by the two neighboring countries.
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