The recent demolition of a Durga temple in Dhaka, Bangladesh, has triggered strong reactions and heightened concerns regarding the safety and treatment of minorities in the country. The incident has led to protests by the Hindu community and drawn criticism from India, which has urged Bangladesh to ensure the protection of its Hindu minority population and their religious institutions.

According to reports, the demolition was carried out by Bangladesh Railway authorities in the Khilkhet area of Dhaka. The authorities have justified the action by stating that the temple was an "illegal structure" built on railway land. However, this explanation has been met with skepticism and outrage by the local Hindu community, who claim that the demolition was carried out without prior notice and resulted in damage to the deity before it could be relocated. Visuals from the demolition site show bulldozers bringing down the structure, with the Durga idol still inside.

The demolition has sparked widespread protests and emotional appeals from the Hindu community, who say that the temple was their only place of worship in the area. Many have expressed their grief and disappointment over the loss of their place of worship, especially with Durga Puja, a significant Hindu festival, approaching. Some locals have alleged that a mob of over 500 people had gathered near the temple prior to the demolition, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

India has reacted strongly to the incident, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressing dismay that such incidents continue to recur in Bangladesh. He emphasized the responsibility of the interim government of Bangladesh to protect Hindus, their properties, and their religious institutions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also raised the issue with Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh's interim government, during a meeting on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok. Modi underlined India's concerns regarding the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, and expressed his expectation that the government would ensure their security and thoroughly investigate cases of atrocities committed against them.

This is not an isolated incident, as India has repeatedly voiced concern about the targeting of minorities in Bangladesh. Recent unrest, including temple damage and theft, has prompted India to request that Bangladeshi authorities ensure the safety of Hindu communities and all minorities. The demolition has further strained relations between India and Bangladesh, which had already been facing challenges following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the rise of the interim government.

The incident underscores the need for the Bangladeshi government to take concrete steps to protect its minority communities and ensure their right to practice their religion without fear or intimidation. Failure to do so could have serious consequences for the country's social fabric and its relations with neighboring India.