Sun Oct 13 05:16:05 UTC 2024: ## India Expresses Concern Over Attacks on Hindu Temples in Bangladesh
**Dhaka, Bangladesh:** India has expressed deep concern over the recent attacks on Hindu temples in Bangladesh, including the bombing of a Durga Puja pandal in Dhaka’s Tanti Bazaar and the theft of a crown from the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in Satkhira. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated on Saturday that these incidents appear to be part of a “deliberate and planned attempt” to target temples and deities in Bangladesh.
India has urged the Bangladeshi government to ensure the protection of places of worship for Hindus and all minorities. This statement comes amid reports of increased violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh following the recent political change.
The interim government of Bangladesh, led by Mohammad Yunus, has responded by visiting the Dhakeshwari Temple and vowing to create a country where all faiths are protected.
However, there have been numerous reports of attacks and thefts targeting Hindu temples, particularly during the Durga Puja festival. On Friday night, an individual attempted to detonate a bomb at the Durga pandal in Tanti Bazaar. While the bomb failed to explode, the incident led to violence when people intervened to apprehend the suspect. Five individuals were injured in the ensuing melee.
CCTV footage captured the bombing incident. Police initially claimed the incident stemmed from a theft, but later admitted that a bottle filled with kerosene was thrown, potentially intended as a bomb. Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, and the injured are receiving treatment at the Midford Hospital in Dhaka.
Meanwhile, CCTV footage from the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple revealed the theft of a crown made of silver and adorned with gold. The theft occurred on Thursday afternoon between 2-2:30 pm, and the missing crown was discovered by temple officials. The crown, gifted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 2021 visit to Bangladesh, had been painstakingly handcrafted by local artisans over three weeks.
Police are investigating the CCTV footage to identify the thief.
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