Violence in Bangladesh during Durga Puja festivities is disturbing, says India

India on Thursday described the violence in Bangladesh during Durga Puja festivities as disturbing, and lauded Dhaka for its prompt response to control the situation.

A clash had broken out between a mob and the police in Bangladesh’s Chandpur district on Wednesday following social media posts about the alleged desecration of the Quran at a Durga Puja pandal in Comilla district. Three people were killed in the clash.

Violence also erupted in Chattogram, Kurigram and Moulvibazar districts as mobs allegedly vandalised temples and idols of Hindu deities. The Bangladesh government has deployed paramilitary troops in 22 districts.

“We have seen disturbing reports of untoward incidents involving attacks on religious gatherings in Bangladesh,” Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson of India’s foreign ministry, said at a press briefing on Thursday.

Bagchi added that India was in touch with the authorities in Dhaka.

“We also understand that the ongoing festive celebrations of Durga Puja continue in Bangladesh with the support of the government of Bangladesh agencies, and of course, the large majority of the public,” Bagchi added. “[The] High commission in Dhaka, as well as our consulates in Bangladesh, are obviously in very close contact with the authorities in Dhaka and at local levels.”

The Bharatiya Janata Party and the Trinamool Congress have also expressed concern…

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