After mandap attack in Dhaka, India raises concerns over repeated attacks on minorities

India has expressed serious concerns over Bangladesh failing to stop an attack at a Durga Puja complex in Dhaka a day after the theft from a temple, in what appears to be coordinated attempts by Islamists to target minorities.

"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. 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," MEA noted in a statement.

"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."


The gold-plated crown of goddess Kali at the temple in Satkhira's Shyamnagar was stolen on Thursday afternoon. The crown of goddess Kali at Jeshoreshwari Temple which was offered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the neighbouring country in 2021.

Modi had visited the Jeshoreshwari Temple on March 27, 2021, as part of his tour to Bangladesh.

Yunus visits temple
In a related development, 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.

Meanwhile, Seventeen persons have been arrested and about a dozen cases registered after Bangladesh witnessed about 35 untoward incidents related to the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations across the country this month, police said here