Delhi's statement baseless: Dhaka

Dhaka has binned a statement by the spokesperson for Delhi's external affairs ministry alleging "a systemic pattern of desecration of and damage to temples and deities" in Bangladesh as baseless and uncalled for.

"The attention of the government has been drawn to a statement by spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs of India on 12 October 2024 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," said the Bangladesh foreign ministry.

"The same statement also alleges a systemic pattern of desecration of and damage to temples and deities…," said Dhaka's statement on Monday.

But the government of Bangladesh finds such allegations baseless and assertions uncalled for.

The MoFA said there were just handful incidents reported on which the government authorities acted promptly in ensuring safety and security of Hindus and other minorities throughout the festival times.