India has expressed strong displeasure over the demolition of a Durga temple in the Khilkhet area of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. On June 26, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a firm statement, calling the act deeply hurtful to religious sentiments and saying it cannot be taken lightly. The following day, the Bangladeshi government issued a clarification.

What Did Bangladesh Say?

In response, Bangladesh stated that the demolished structure was one of several unauthorized constructions located near a railway track. According to their account, the idol had already been respectfully immersed in a nearby river before the structure was removed.

India's Strong Reaction

Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that some extremist groups had been demanding the demolition of the temple, yet instead of ensuring protection, Bangladesh’s interim government treated the issue merely as a matter of illegal land occupation. He emphasized that this is not just a land dispute, but a serious concern about the safety and rights of religious minorities.

Jaiswal further said it is Bangladesh’s responsibility to protect the Hindu community, their properties, and religious sites. He added that India is still awaiting resolution on this and several other issues that have been raised repeatedly with Bangladesh in the past.

Bangladesh’s Official Explanation

Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry clarified that during last year’s Durga Puja, the Hindu community had set up a temporary worship structure on railway land without prior permission. The railway authorities had allowed the celebration on the condition that the structure would be removed once the festival concluded.