India expresses 'serious concern' over attack on Puja mandap, theft at Bangladesh temple
PTC News Desk: India has expressed "serious concern" about the attack on a Puja mandap in Dhaka and the theft at the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in Satkhira, Bangladesh and described them as "deplorable acts." India has urged Bangladesh's government to safeguard the safety and security of Hindus, minorities, and their places of worship.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "We have noted with serious concern the attack on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka and the theft at the revered Jeshoreshwari Kali temple at Satkhira."
"These are deplorable events. They follow a systematic pattern of desecration and damage to temples and deities that we have witnessed over several days now," he added.
The MEA spokesperson's statement follows an incident in which a 'crude bomb' was hurled at a Durga Puja Mandap in the Tantibazar area of Old Dhaka. According to Bangladesh-based Prothomalo, the explosive caught the flames, but no one was hurt.
Jaiswal stated, "We call upon the Government of Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship, especially during this auspicious festival time."
According to the Prothomalo report, police found a bomb prepared by filling a glass bottle with petrol. The incident occurred at 7 p.m. (local time) on Friday. According to witnesses, a group of youths from an alley near the Puja mandap threw a bottle at the altar. When the volunteers pursued the attackers, they were attacked with knives. At least five people have been injured due to the attack.
- ANI
