New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement Saturday expressing “serious concerns” over the alleged attacks and thefts that occurred during Durga Puja celebrations in Bangladesh. This comes just months after India had raised the issue of attacks on minorities in the country following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government.
“These are deplorable events. They follow a systematic pattern of desecration and damage to temples and deities that we have witnessed over several days now,” the statement said.
The statement followed an alleged attack Friday on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka, where a “crude bomb” caused a minor fire, according to the Bangladesh daily Prothom Alo.
While no one was injured in the fire, locals who pursued the attackers were assaulted with knives, reportedly leaving at least five people injured.
Separately, a handcrafted golden crown, gifted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was stolen from a Hindu temple in Bangladesh’s southwestern Satkhira district during Durga Puja celebrations Thursday.
Satkhira Superintendent of Police, Mohammad Monirul Islam, confirmed to the newspaper Dhaka Tribune that a case has been filed against unknown individuals in connection with the theft. However, no arrests have been made so far in this case.
Fakir Taijur Rahman, the investigating officer at Shyamnagar police station, told Dhaka Tribune, that efforts are underway to identify the suspect captured in the footage.
Several people, including the temple priest and cleaning staff, have been questioned. However, the priest’s statements have reportedly been inconsistent. Temple committee leaders based in Dhaka have been notified. A reward has also been announced for any information leading to the arrest of the suspects, according to the SP Islam.
In another case, ‘Islamic songs’ were allegedly performed at a Durga Puja mandap in JM Sen Hall in Chittagong Thursday, drawing outrage. A case has been filed against seven individuals at the Kotwali police station, according to a report in the Dhaka Tribune.
Sajal Dutta, the joint general secretary of the puja celebration committee and six performers have been named in the case, the Bangladeshi daily reported, quoting Assistant Deputy Commissioner (PR) of Chittagong Metropolitan Police Kazi Md Tarek Aziz.
So far, 17 individuals have been arrested and around a dozen cases have been registered following approximately 35 incidents related to Durga Puja celebrations in Bangladesh this month, according to Dhaka Tribune.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Moinul Islam told the newspaper that these incidents have resulted in 11 cases being filed, 24 general diaries registered, and 17 individuals arrested.
“We call upon the government of Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship, especially during the auspicious festival time,” the MEA said in a statement.
In August, India had expressed concerns over a series of alleged attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus, after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country.
PM Modi had also raised the issue during a call with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus after he took over as the interim leader of the Muslim-majority country. Yunus had assured the PM that Bangladesh would ensure the safety of minority communities but added that the reports were greatly exaggerated.
(Edited by Sanya Mathur)