‘We are all Bangladeshis’: Bangladesh prez calls for unity after India slams ‘deplorable’ Durga Puja incidents

Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Sunday (Oct 13) called upon people of all faiths in Bangladesh to unite in driving the country forward, as the Hindu festival of Durga Puja came to an end with the immersion of Goddess Durga’s idols in water bodies across the nation.

Speaking at an event held at the Bangabhaban to mark Durga Puja celebrations, Shahabuddin urged all citizens, regardless of caste or religion, to unite in the effort to build a prosperous and developed Bangladesh, according to a report by The Daily Star.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

“We are all Bangladeshis, connected with each other. There is no place for majority or minority distinctions in our country,” he said while exchanging greetings with members of the Hindu community.

He further stated that absolute tolerance, mutual trust, and cooperation are essential for turning Bangladesh into a progressive, prosperous, and non-discriminatory nation, according to the state-run BSS news agency.

“Bengali traditions and culture are mixed with Durga Puja, which is not only a religious festival but also a social festival. The collective participation of all has made this festival universal,” he added.

India expresses concerns over attacks, theft during Durga Puja in Bangladesh

This statement comes after India expressed "serious concerns" on Saturday regarding an attack on a Puja mandap in Dhaka’s Tanti Bazar during the ongoing Durga Puja festival. New Delhi also voiced alarm over a theft at the revered Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in Satkhira, calling the incidents "deplorable," according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

“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.

Randhir Jaiswal, MEA spokesperson, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that these incidents appear to be part of a "systematic pattern of desecration" of temples and deities. Jaiswal urged the Bangladesh government to ensure the protection and safety of Hindus and other minority communities, along with their places of worship, particularly during festival periods.

A handcrafted golden crown, gifted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was reported stolen from the revered Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in Satkhira, located in southwestern Bangladesh. Bangladesh police have arrested at least 17 individuals in connection with approximately 35 violent incidents related to Durga Puja celebrations this month.

(With inputs from agencies)