New Delhi: Following media reports that Hindu temples and Durga Puja venues were vandalised by unidentified Muslim perpetrators in Bangladesh, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted on Thursday, October 14, that the government in the neighbouring country reacted promptly to ensure that the situation was under control and said the Indian mission is in close contact with the Bangladeshi authorities over the matter.
The vandalisations during Durga Puja celebrations prompted the Bangladesh government to deploy paramilitary forces, the Border Guards Bangladesh, in 22 districts.
Four people were killed and many others were injured in riots, according to Bangladeshi media reports. According to the reports, three people were killed during clashes between Muslim perpetrators and police at Hajiganj sub-district in Chandpur, bordering Cumilla, on Wednesday, while a fourth victim succumbed to his wounds later.
Asked about the reported attacks on Durga Puja pandals and temples in Bangladesh, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “We have seen some disturbing reports of untoward incidents involving attacks on religious gatherings in Bangladesh. We note that the government of Bangladesh has reacted promptly to ensure control of the situation, including the deployment of law enforcement machinery.”
“We also understand that the ongoing festive celebrations of Durga Puja continue in Bangladesh with the support of government agencies and of course, a large majority of the public,” he said at a media briefing here.
“The Indian High Commission in Dhaka as well as consulates in Bangladesh are in close contact with the authorities in Dhaka and at local levels over the matter,” Bagchi said.