Diplomatic Correspondent

Bangladesh has responded to a statement made by the Indian government, noting that Dhaka finds such allegations baseless and assertions uncalled for.

"The interim government would like to reassure the international community that it continues to do its best to uphold the long-standing secular and inclusive credentials of the people of Bangladesh," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.

It said the attention of the government has been drawn to a statement by the spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs of India on 12 October calling upon “….the Government of Bangladesh to ensure safety and security of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship, especially during this auspicious festival time.”

The same statement also alleges “…a systemic pattern of desecration and damage to temples and deities…”

The Government of Bangladesh finds such allegations baseless and assertions uncalled for. Ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, particularly the members of religious minorities, in Bangladesh remains a duty of the government.

“Upholding the rights of every citizen regardless of one’s identity, religion or faith must be recognised as an internal affair of Bangladesh," the foreign ministry said.

There were just a handful of incidents reported on which the government authorities acted promptly in ensuring the safety and security of Hindus and other minorities throughout the festival times, Dhaka said.

Communal harmony and peaceful coexistence remain a time-honoured feature of liberalism and democracy in Bangladesh uniting all people.

"The Government of Bangladesh 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, without any hindrance," the ministry said.

This was vindicated by the peaceful observance of Durga Puja in over 32,000 mandaps that were spontaneously set up across Bangladesh.

On the reported theft of a golden crown at the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in the southern Bangladesh district of Satkhira on 10 October, it had been confirmed that the head priest performed his regular puja rites until 2:30pm at which time the crown was intact inside the temple.

Investigations are underway to determine as to why the priest and temple staff left such a precious possession unguarded and insecure, the ministry added.

Four people have already been arrested in connection with the theft case.