‘Systematic pattern of desecration’

India on attack on pandal, theft at temple in B'desh

NEW DELHI/DHAKA: India on Saturday expressed "serious concern" over the reported attack on a Durga Puja pandal and theft at a revered Kali temple in Bangladesh. New Delhi requested Dhaka to ensure the safety and security of Hindus, all other minorities and their places of worship across Bangladesh.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the incidents as "deplorable events" and flagged that these follow a "systematic pattern of desecration" of temples and deities in Bangladesh.

"We have noted with serious concern the attack on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka and the theft at the revered Jeshoreshwari Kali temple at Satkhira," the MEA said.

Bangladeshi daily "Prothom Alo" has reported an incident of a "crude bomb" allegedly thrown at a Durga Puja pandal in the Tantibazar area of Old Dhaka. Though the bomb caught fire, nobody was injured, the report said, adding that the incident took place on Friday night.

The MEA took strong exception to the two reported incidents in Bangladesh. "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," it said. "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 this auspicious festival time," it added.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor to the interim government of Bangladesh, on Saturday visited the centuries-old Dhakeshwari temple amid reports of attack on another prominent Durga Puja celebration in the national capital.