'Instead Of Providing Security...': India Slams Demolition Of Temple In Dhaka

Last Updated:June 26, 2025, 21:30 IST

India stressed that it is the duty of Bangladesh’s interim government to ensure the safety of Hindus, their properties, and religious institutions

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal (IMAGE: YouTube)

India on Thursday reacted to the destruction of a Durga temple in Bangladesh’s Dhaka, saying that it is the responsibility of the government to provide security to religious institutions and protect Hindus in the country.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India is ready to engage with Bangladesh on all issues, provided the environment supports a mutually beneficial and constructive dialogue.

“We understand that extremists were clamoring for demolishing the Durga temple in Khilkhet, Dhaka. The interim government, instead of providing security to the temple, projected the episode as illegal land use…and they allowed the destruction of the temple today," he said.

He further added that the incident caused damage to the deity before it was shifted.

“We are dismayed that such incidents continue to recur in Bangladesh," said Jaiswal.

He stressed that it is the duty of Bangladesh’s interim government to ensure the safety of Hindus, their properties, and religious institutions.

Responding to a question about India’s recent restrictions on Bangladeshi exports through land ports, Jaiswal clarified that the move aligns with Dhaka’s own stated pursuit of “fairness, equal treatment, and reciprocity."

He added that the unresolved matters between the two countries have been pending for quite some time, stating, “We await resolution of the underlying issues pending with the Bangladeshi side for a long time. These issues have been raised by India at several structured meetings earlier, including at the Commerce Secretary level talks."

Earlier this month, India imposed restrictions on the export of ready-made garments and several other consumer goods from Bangladesh through land ports. The decision was taken with the aim to promote fairness and equality in bilateral trade.

These restrictions came just weeks after India terminated a nearly five-year-old arrangement that allowed trans-shipment of Bangladeshi export cargo to third countries via Indian airports and seaports.

Location :

First Published:

News india 'Instead Of Providing Security...': India Slams Demolition Of Temple In Dhaka