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Tribune News Service
New Delhi, October 14
The Indian High Commission in Dhaka and its consulates are in close contact with the authorities following reports of multiple attacks on Hindu temples during Durga Puja celebrations, says Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.
Terming reports of untoward incidents involving attacks on religious gatherings in Bangladesh as “disturbing”, Bagchi indicated that the response by the Hasina Government was to the satisfaction of the Indian Government.
“The Bangladesh Government has reacted promptly to control the situation, including deployment of law and order machinery. Festive celebrations continue with the support of Bangladesh agencies and a large majority of the public. The High Commission and consulates are in close contact with the authorities in Dhaka and at local levels,” said Bagchi on Thursday.
The Bangladesh media has reported that Hindu temples in Bangladesh were vandalised by unidentified miscreants during the Durga Puja celebrations, prompting the deployment of paramilitary force in 22 districts after four persons were killed and many others injured in the riots.
Incidents of vandalism were reported from Cumilla, Chandpur, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar. The situation in Cumilla had turned dire at one stage after a large crowd stormed the temple following allegations of blasphemy. The mobs at some places even attacked the police as it tried to bring the situation under control.
At least four persons were killed and many injured on Wednesday after a mob and the police clashed following the incident in Cumilla.
Later, the government deployed the Bangladesh Police Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Border Guard.
The Bangladesh Religious Affairs Ministry issued a notice, urging members of the public not to take the law into their hands and reiterated calls to maintain communal harmony and peace, it said.