Controversy has erupted over the demolition of a Durga temple in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. India has protested. Bangladesh stated that the temple was illegally constructed on railway land.
Bangladesh News: The demolition of a Durga temple in the Khilkhet area of Dhaka, Bangladesh, has now become a matter of international discussion. This incident has not only drawn protests from the local Hindu community, but the Indian government has also expressed b objections. Regarding the demolition of the temple, the Bangladesh government has clarified that the construction was carried out on railway land without permission.
Bangladesh Government's Stance on Temple Construction
According to a statement issued by the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during Durga Puja last year, the local Hindu community had erected a temporary pandal on railway land for worship. The railway administration had granted permission for a limited period, with the condition that the pandal would be removed after the puja concluded.
The statement further stated that despite the puja ending, the organizers did not remove the pandal. Instead, they installed an idol of Mahakali at the site and initiated permanent construction. The ministry claimed that the organizers were informed verbally and in writing on several occasions, but they refused to comply. Consequently, the administration took action and demolished the structure.
Idol Immersion and Administrative Process
The Bangladesh government also clarified that the idol of the Durga temple was immersed in the nearby Balu River, following religious rituals, in collaboration with the local Hindu community. It was also stated that not only the temple but all illegal structures in the area, including shops, political party offices, and other temporary constructions, were removed. According to the government, this entire action was carried out to remove encroachments from government land, which is a regular administrative process.
India Expresses Strong Objection
The Indian government has bly reacted to this incident. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a weekly press conference that the interim government of Bangladesh was acting under pressure from extremist elements. He said that the attack on the temple in Khilkhet appeared pre-planned. Instead, the government should have protected the temple. The spokesperson said that the government declared the temple illegal and allowed it to be demolished, and the idol was also damaged during this process.
The spokesperson also said that such incidents have occurred in Bangladesh before, which is a matter of concern. He reminded the Bangladesh government that it is its responsibility to protect religious minorities. He also said that Bangladesh should ensure that the rights and religious freedom of minorities are not violated.
Increased Difficulties for the Yunus Government
This incident has come to light at a time when an interim government led by Mohammad Yunus is functioning in Bangladesh. Due to public criticism from India and protests from the minority community, the government's image has been affected. There is also a possibility of international reactions to this incident, especially from countries that are sensitive to religious freedom.
Anger in the Hindu Community
The anger of the Hindu community in Bangladesh regarding the demolition of the temple is clearly visible. Several social and religious organizations have staged protests in Dhaka. Their demand is to stop such incidents and take strict action against the culprits.
