New Delhi | June 27, 2025 — India has strongly condemned the reported demolition of a Durga temple in Dhaka, stating that the incident demonstrates the failure of Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, to protect the country’s Hindu minority and their religious institutions.The condemnation came from Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during a weekly press briefing. His remarks reflect growing concerns in New Delhi over the deteriorating bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August last year.“Government Yielded to Extremist Demands,” Says IndiaSpeaking at the briefing, Jaiswal stated:“We have learned that the Durga temple located in the Khilkhet area of Dhaka had long been under threat by extremist groups who had demanded its demolition. Instead of ensuring the temple’s protection, the government promoted it as an illegal encroachment and permitted its destruction.”He added that damage had also been caused to the temple’s deities prior to their removal—an act he described as part of a disturbing pattern of religious intolerance.“This kind of repeated targeting of Hindu temples and properties in Bangladesh is extremely disheartening,” he said.India Holds Dhaka Responsible for Minority ProtectionJaiswal emphasized that the interim administration in Bangladesh bears full responsibility for the safety and rights of religious minorities.“It is the duty of Bangladesh’s current government to safeguard its Hindu community, their properties, and their places of worship.”The demolition has sparked outrage in several quarters in India, with observers and civil society groups demanding stronger diplomatic intervention.Concerns Over Ganges Treaty and Bilateral TradeIn response to a question about the renewal of the 1996 Ganges Water Treaty, Jaiswal noted that India and Bangladesh share 54 transboundary rivers and maintain a Joint River Commission to address water-sharing issues.“India remains open to discussing all bilateral matters,” he said, “but such discussions must take place in an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation.”Tensions have grown between the two neighbors since the fall of the Awami League government. While India had maintained strong ties with Sheikh Hasina’s administration, the current interim government led by Dr. Yunus has introduced a new strain in diplomatic engagement.⸻BackgroundThe demolished Durga temple in Khilkhet had reportedly been under pressure from Islamist groups for months. Its demolition, carried out under the claim of “illegal occupation,” has led to accusations that the government capitulated to hardline elements instead of upholding religious freedoms.As the situation unfolds, India is closely monitoring developments and is expected to raise the issue through official diplomatic channels.
