India on Thursday condemned the alleged destruction of a Durga temple in Dhaka, asserting that it is the duty of Bangladesh’s interim government to safeguard Hindus and their religious institutions. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India is ready to engage with Bangladesh on “all matters” in a setting that fosters mutually beneficial dialogue. His comments were made in response to an inquiry regarding the potential renewal of the Ganges water treaty with Bangladesh next year. Jaiswal expressed criticism towards Bangladeshi authorities concerning the reported demolition of the temple. “We understand that extremists were demanding the demolition of the Durga temple in Khilkhet, Dhaka,” he remarked. “Instead of ensuring the temple’s security, the interim government portrayed the situation as illegal land use… and they permitted the temple’s destruction today,” he continued. This has led to damage to the deity before it was relocated. We are troubled that such incidents persist in Bangladesh,” he added. Jaiswal emphasized that it is the responsibility of Bangladesh’s interim government “to protect Hindus, their properties, and religious institutions.” When asked about India’s decision to limit Bangladeshi exports through land ports, he indicated that the actions were based on Dhaka’s own pursuit of “fairness, equal treatment, and reciprocity.” “We are awaiting the resolution of the underlying issues that have been pending with the Bangladeshi side for an extended period. These matters have been brought up by India in several structured meetings previously, including discussions at the Commerce Secretary level,” he stated. Relations deteriorated significantly after the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus was unable to prevent attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus, in the country.
