DHAKA: Bangladesh 's interim govt criticised New Delhi Monday for what it said were "uncalled-for assertions" about attacks on Hindus and desecration of shrines and idols on its soil, saying only a handful of such instances had been reported and that other allegations about targeted attacks had been found to be "baseless".
It said every complaint about Hindus and other minorities coming under attack anywhere in Bangladesh had always elicited appropriate corrective action from the authorities.
Dhaka's rejoinder coincided with unidentified assailants hurling bricks from the rooftop of Old Dhaka's Nur Super Market at a procession headed for immersion of Durga Puja idols. The attack triggered a backlash from Hindus, causing police to requisition a military unit to disperse the crowd.
Dhaka's rejoinder was to an Oct 12 statement by a spokesperson for India's external affairs ministry about "a systemic pattern of desecration and damage to temples and deities", including the theft of a gold-plated crown that PM Modi had gifted to Satkhira's Jeshoreshwari Kali temple during his 2021 visit.
" Communal harmony and peaceful coexistence remain a time-honoured feature of liberalism and democracy in Bangladesh that unites all people," the ministry of foreign affairs said. "Govt attests in strongest terms that every individual, regardless of his/her faith, religion or belief, has the right to establish, maintain or perform respective religious rituals or practices... This was vindicated by peaceful observance of Durga Puja in over 32,000 mandaps..."
On the theft of the crown, it said an investigation was underway to determine why the head priest and other temple staff "left such a precious possession unguarded".
It said every complaint about Hindus and other minorities coming under attack anywhere in Bangladesh had always elicited appropriate corrective action from the authorities.
Dhaka's rejoinder coincided with unidentified assailants hurling bricks from the rooftop of Old Dhaka's Nur Super Market at a procession headed for immersion of Durga Puja idols. The attack triggered a backlash from Hindus, causing police to requisition a military unit to disperse the crowd.
Dhaka's rejoinder was to an Oct 12 statement by a spokesperson for India's external affairs ministry about "a systemic pattern of desecration and damage to temples and deities", including the theft of a gold-plated crown that PM Modi had gifted to Satkhira's Jeshoreshwari Kali temple during his 2021 visit.
" Communal harmony and peaceful coexistence remain a time-honoured feature of liberalism and democracy in Bangladesh that unites all people," the ministry of foreign affairs said. "Govt attests in strongest terms that every individual, regardless of his/her faith, religion or belief, has the right to establish, maintain or perform respective religious rituals or practices... This was vindicated by peaceful observance of Durga Puja in over 32,000 mandaps..."
On the theft of the crown, it said an investigation was underway to determine why the head priest and other temple staff "left such a precious possession unguarded".
You may also like
'It will help understanding of civilisational history': PM Modi lauds national maritime heritage complex in Gujarat's Lothal
Man spots detail on hotel room door that's 'like something from horror film'
Liverpool vs Chelsea referee drew angry response from Virgil van Dijk over controversial decision
Delhi court extends interim bail of Engineer Rashid till Oct 28
John W. Henry brutally told he had bought 'wrong club' days after Liverpool purchase
Air India Flight To Chicago Lands In Canada After Bomb Threat
Pep Guardiola to welcome £12.5million midfielder to Man City in January transfer window
Bengaluru weather leads to heavy flooding at Manyata Tech Park: Netizens demand WFH options as video goes viral
'Butcher surgeon Ian Paterson stole my sister's life - I hope he rots in prison'
Is Flavoured Yogurt, Milk And Curd Actually Good For Your Gut Health? Nutritionist Answers
Indian Real Estate Attracts Whopping Rs 74,815 Crore in Equity Investments This Year: CBRE
By-elections to four Assembly seats in Bihar on November 13
UAE amends over 60 laws to support SME growth
Rajnath Singh lays foundation of Indian Navy's Very Low Frequency station in Telangana; Know its relevance
Noah Lyles signs deal to face NFL speedster who taunted him over illness
Here's why Kartik Aaryan wants Vidya Balan, not Manjulika
Indian Army launches month-long tribute to 1962 Battle of Walong heroes
US Space Force's mysterious X-37B mini-shuttle on 'groundbreaking' mission above Earth
Telugu superstar Sai Durgha Tej's new movie #SDT18: First look video released
CBFC stops Akshay Kumar's no smoking 'Fu Fu Nandu' ad from theatres after 6 years; here's why