Dhaka: The interim government of Bangladesh led by Mohammad Yunus has reacted sharply to India’s allegations. The Foreign Ministry of Bangladesh has issued a statement saying that India’s statement regarding the security of Hindus and temples in Bangladesh is baseless and unnecessary. The Yunus government claimed that there have been only a few such incidents in Bangladesh on which government officials have responded promptly to the safety of Hindus and other minorities during the festival. Two days ago, India had issued a strongly worded statement regarding the attacks on Hindus during Durga Puja in Bangladesh.
What did the Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry say?
The Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry said, “The government’s attention has been drawn to a statement made by the spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs on 12 October 2024, which “requests the Government of Bangladesh to ensure the protection of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship. The call has been made, especially at the time of this holy festival.” The same statement also alleged that “… there is a systematic pattern of desecration and damage to temples and deities. The Government of Bangladesh considers such allegations as baseless and the claims as unjustified.”
Ministry said- Bangladesh took prompt action
The ministry further said, “There were only a few incidents on which government officials acted promptly to ensure the safety of Hindus and other minorities during the festival. Communal harmony and peaceful co-existence is a long-standing tradition of liberalism and democracy in Bangladesh.” characteristic that unites all people. The Government of Bangladesh affirms the right of every person, irrespective of religion, faith or belief, to establish and maintain his or her religious practices. Or has the right to do so. This was proved by the peaceful celebration of Durga Puja in about 32,000 puja pavilions in Bangladesh.”
Said this on the theft of gold crown from Jeshoreshwari Kali temple
The statement of the Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry also mentions the case of theft of the golden crown from the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple. The High Commission of India in Bangladesh had reacted strongly to this theft. The ministry said in its statement, “On the alleged theft of the gold crown at the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in Satkhira district of southern Bangladesh on October 10, 2024, it was confirmed that the chief priest performed his regular puja rituals till 2.30 pm, after which The crown was found intact inside the temple. Investigation is underway to find out why the priest and the temple staff left such valuable property without security. Four persons have already been arrested in connection with the theft.”
Gave assurance of safety of minorities
The ministry also said, “It is the duty of the Government of Bangladesh to ensure the safety of all citizens in Bangladesh, especially religious minorities. Protecting the rights of every citizen, regardless of his or her identity, religion or belief, is an internal matter of Bangladesh.” The interim government wishes to assure the international community that it will continue to do its best to maintain the long-term secular and inclusive credentials of the people of Bangladesh.”