Dhaka clarifies temple removal as Delhi calls for dialogue:
Diplomatic Correspondent :
India has reiterated its willingness to engage with Bangladesh on all matters within a framework of mutually beneficial dialogue, while expressing concerns over the removal of a makeshift temple constructed on railway land in Dhaka without official permission.
However, Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Railway Authority issued separate statements clarifying that the structure was a temporary
Puja Mandap erected without authorisation on Bangladesh Railways land during Durga Puja 2024.
They explained that permission was granted on the condition the Mandap would be removed after the festivities. However, the organisers failed to comply and established a permanent ‘Maha Kali’ shrine on the site, violating the agreement.
At a press briefing on Thursday, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed questions on several topics, including the impending expiration of the Ganga Water Treaty in 2026, ongoing trade issues, a recent trilateral meeting between Bangladesh, China, and Pakistan, and the alleged vandalism of a Durga temple in Dhaka.
Responding to queries about the temple incident, Jaiswal criticised the interim Bangladeshi government for failing to protect the site, stating, “Instead of safeguarding the temple, the government characterised the incident as illegal land use and permitted its demolition.
This resulted in damage to the deity before it was relocated.” He expressed disappointment over the recurrence of such incidents and stressed the interim government’s responsibility to protect the Hindu community, their properties, and religious institutions.
Bangladesh statements added that in December 2024, the Railway authorities consulted with local community leaders and organisers, subsequently issuing a public notice calling for the removal of unauthorised structures – including shops, vendor stalls, and political offices illegally constructed alongside the railway tracks.
During the eviction process, the Mandap’s idol was respectfully immersed in the nearby Balu River, with participation from local Hindu community members.
The authorities emphasised that clearing unauthorised encroachments is a routine administrative duty aimed at recovering government land. While Bangladesh’s laws fully protect places of worship built in accordance with regulations, constructing religious structures on public land without permission is not permissible.
They accused the Mandap organisers of exploiting the trust of the Railway authorities by breaching their agreement.
The Foreign Ministry reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to protecting the rights of all communities and safeguarding religious sites.
It underscored the nation’s syncretic tradition, where citizens of all faiths coexist peacefully in an inclusive society. The ministry urged restraint and cautioned against reacting without consideration of facts and context.
On other issues, Jaiswal highlighted the significance of the Joint Rivers Commission as a bilateral platform for managing shared water resources, including the Ganga.
“India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers, including the Ganga, and the Joint Rivers Commission facilitates cooperation on these matters,” he said. He added that consultations also involve relevant state governments and internal stakeholders to shape India’s approach.
Regarding trade, the spokesperson noted that recent revisions to India’s export policies were made in response to Bangladesh’s calls for fairness and reciprocity. However, several Indian concerns remain unresolved and continue to be discussed at senior bilateral levels.
Addressing the recent trilateral foreign ministerial meeting between Bangladesh, China, and Pakistan, Jaiswal stated that India closely monitors regional developments relevant to its strategic interests. “Our relations with individual countries are considered within the broader regional context, reflecting evolving security and strategic priorities,” he concluded.