Terming the recent attacks on places of worship and a theft at a revered temple in Bangladesh as “deplorable events,” India on Saturday said these follow a “systematic pattern of desecration” of temples and deities there.

New Delhi also requested Dhaka to ensure the safety and security of Hindus, all other minorities, and their places of worship in the neighbouring country.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the incidents as “deplorable events” and flagged that these follow a “systematic pattern of desecration” of temples and deities in Bangladesh.

“We have noted with serious concern the attack on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka and the theft at the revered Jeshoreshwari Kali temple at Satkhira,” the MEA said.

Bangladeshi daily ‘Prothom Alo’ has reported an incident of a “crude bomb” allegedly thrown at a Durga Puja pandal in the Tantibazar area of Old Dhaka. Though the bomb caught fire, nobody was injured, the report said, adding that the incident took place on Friday night.

Friday marked the ninth and last day of Navratri, the nine-day sacred period for Hindus. Durga Puja is also celebrated during this time. It culminates with Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami on the 10th day.

The MEA has taken strong exception to the two reported incidents in Bangladesh.  “These are deplorable events. They follow a systematic pattern of desecration and damage to temples and deities that we have witnessed over several days now,” it said.

“We call upon the government of Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship, especially during this auspicious festival time,” it added.

The silver, gold-plated crown for the Hindu deity at the Jeshoreshwari Temple in Satkhira was gifted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Bangladesh in March 2021.

According to local reports, the crown was stolen during the ongoing Durga Puja and the theft was caught on camera. The Jeshoreshwari Temple is revered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas spread across India and neighbouring countries.

Prime Minister Modi had visited the Jeshoreshwari Temple on March 27, 2021, as part of his tour to Bangladesh. The visit coincided with the celebrations of Bangladesh’s Golden Jubilee of Independence and the birth centenary of its founding leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.