The Indian External Affairs Ministry (MEA) on Thursday raised significant concerns over the disturbing trend of desecration and damage to Hindu temples and deities in Bangladesh, calling on the Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety and security of Hindu and other minority communities within the country. This statement came amid a surge in unrest triggered by the arrest of a Hindu leader and the increasing targeting of temples, particularly the Iskcon temples and others, by radical Islamic outfits in the country.
In a reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, outlined the specific incidents that had escalated tensions. He mentioned the attack on a Durga Puja mandap in the Tantibazar area of Dhaka, as well as the theft at the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple in Satkhira during the 2024 Durga Puja festivities. Singh also mentioned the alarming incident of a crude bomb being thrown at a Durga Puja mandap in Dhaka's Tantibazar area last month, although fortunately, no casualties were reported. However, the attack on the temple’s symbolic crown, a gift from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 2021 visit, was a highly symbolic and deeply offensive act to Hindus in both Bangladesh and India. The stolen crown, a significant cultural and religious artifact, is believed to have been taken by those targeting the temple as part of the broader unrest and the targeting of Hindu religious symbols.
Singh noted that similar incidents of violence and temple desecration had spiked following the political upheaval in Bangladesh with the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government on August 5, 2024. The political vacuum and the rise of extremist groups have exacerbated the targeting of Hindus and their places of worship. Such incidents have raised major concerns about the safety and wellbeing of religious minorities, especially Hindus, who are already a minority group in Bangladesh.
While urging Bangladesh to act swiftly, the Indian government reaffirmed that the responsibility for ensuring the protection of minorities lies squarely with the government of Bangladesh, particularly in the present situation under the interim leadership of Muhammad Yunus. The Indian government’s stance emphasized that safeguarding the life and liberty of all citizens, including religious minorities, is paramount. Kirti Vardhan Singh underscored that the Bangladeshi government must take immediate and visible actions to prevent further escalation of violence against Hindu religious sites and individuals. Additionally, the Indian government stressed the importance of ensuring that places of worship remain sanctuaries of peace and that those who perpetrate violence against religious minorities be held accountable for their actions.
The Indian government’s call for Bangladesh to ensure the safety of Hindus is not new. This appeal echoes previous statements and concerns raised by India regarding the treatment of its minority community in Bangladesh. The protection of Hindus and their religious rights has been a point of diplomatic discussion for years, especially during times of political instability in Bangladesh. The rise of religious extremism, in particular, poses a growing threat to the secular fabric of Bangladesh, which has long been known for its cultural diversity and religious pluralism.
On the diplomatic front, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the developments, is expected to address both Houses of Parliament on Friday to elaborate on India’s position and the government’s diplomatic responses. Jaishankar’s address will likely focus on the urgent need for greater diplomatic engagement with Bangladesh to ensure the safety and dignity of religious minorities in the country.
This series of incidents coincide with the ongoing controversy surrounding the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in Bangladesh. Das, who had previously been a member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon), was arrested on charges of disrespecting the national flag during a rally organized by the Hindu community. His arrest sparked widespread protests from the Hindu community, both in Bangladesh and abroad, as the Hindu community in Bangladesh views his detention as part of a larger pattern of discrimination and marginalization. The protests highlight the deepening rift between the Hindu community and the government, and some have criticized the Bangladeshi government’s handling of such issues.
In response to India’s concerns, the Bangladesh government has reiterated that it does not interfere with the judicial process, emphasizing that the country’s judiciary is independent. Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stressed the country’s commitment to upholding communal harmony and maintaining peace among different religious communities. However, many critics argue that the Bangladeshi government’s actions fall short of addressing the underlying issues of religious intolerance and violence against minorities. For many in Bangladesh’s Hindu community, the official responses seem insufficient in the face of growing attacks on their religious sites and leaders.
As tensions continue to rise, the Indian government remains vigilant and committed to ensuring the safety of its citizens and religious communities, both within India and abroad. The situation in Bangladesh also puts pressure on India to maintain a balance in its diplomatic approach while advocating for the protection of human rights and religious freedoms. It underscores the complexities of managing bilateral relations between two nations with shared cultural and historical ties but facing growing challenges related to the treatment of minorities and the preservation of religious freedoms. The Indian government’s firm stance is expected to continue, as it works to strengthen ties with Bangladesh while simultaneously ensuring that the rights and freedoms of Hindus and other minority communities are respected and protected.
