Hindu temple built illegally on railway land razed in Bangladesh, strong protests staged

DHAKA: A Durga Temple was razed in Dhaka. The temple situated in Khilkhet was demolished by the police and security personnel. The temple was razed as it was built illegally on railway land. The Dhaka division of Bangladesh Railways had also demanded the demolition of the temple. The bulldozers were brought from the Purbachal Army Camp to demolish the temple. Although the devotees protested against this, the army arrested and removed them from the area. India strongly condemned the demolition of the temple.

The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus described the incident as ‘illegal land use’. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also criticized the Bangladeshi government for the demolition of the temple. He alleged that the interim government led by Yunus had failed to handle the incident, was cooperating with terrorist groups, and had destroyed the temple despite having possible alternatives.

India reminded Bangladesh of its responsibility towards minority communities. Jaiswal added that it was the responsibility of the interim government in Bangladesh to protect Hindus, their property and religious institutions. There was strong protest among Hindu groups and activists for demolishing the temple in Dhaka. This is not the first time such incidents have taken place in Bangladesh.