India’s Foreign Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Friday (Dec 13) reiterated that the government of Bangladesh was responsible for safety of religious minorities in the country. While speaking in Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament, Jaishankar said the treatment of Hindus in neighbouring Bangladesh was a matter of concern, referring to a series of attacks on Hindu temples by mobs.

“It is our hope that with the new dispensation in Bangladesh, we will settle down to a mutually beneficial and stable relationship,” Jaishankar said in response to a question. Jaishankar added that New Delhi has been continuously raising concerns with Dhaka with a spate of measures, such as dispatching India’s Foreign Secretary to Dhaka and highlighting the issue.

“Recently foreign secretary visited Dhaka. This subject came up during his meeting and it is our expectation that in its own interest, Bangladesh would take measures so that its minorities are safe,” Jaishankar said.

Hindus have increasingly come under attack in Bangladesh since the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, earlier this week&nbsp;acknowledged that at least 88 incidents of violence had occurred against the Hindu community over the last few months.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj2rL3FsKSKAxVwdPUHHQIEIc8QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladeshs-loss-is-surats-gain-garment-sector-set-for-25-growth-783584" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladeshs-loss-is-surats-gain-garment-sector-set-for-25-growth-783584&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj2rL3FsKSKAxVwdPUHHQIEIc8QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Bangladesh’s Loss Is Surat's Gain: Garment Sector Set For 25% Growth</a>

Jaishankar also talked about Myanmar and Pakistan in his detailed answer to questions asked by several lawmakers. The foreign minister said India was interested in maintaining good ties with Pakistan given Islamabad’s commitment to eradicate terrorism. "It is for Pakistan to show that they are changing their behavior," the top diplomat added.

When asked about what steps the government of India was taking to stymie the inflow of drugs from Myanmar, Jaishankar said New Delhi had reviewed its open regime policy and the government is working to take measures while keeping in mind the sensitivities of border communities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj2rL3FsKSKAxVwdPUHHQIEIc8QxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-foreign-secretary-in-bangladesh-misri-raises-new-delhis-concern-over-safety-of-minorities-782674" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-foreign-secretary-in-bangladesh-misri-raises-new-delhis-concern-over-safety-of-minorities-782674&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj2rL3FsKSKAxVwdPUHHQIEIc8QxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Indian foreign secretary in Bangladesh: Misri raises New Delhi`s concern over safety of minorities</a>

“With regard to Myanmar, because of the very disturbed conditions in Myanmar, we have had to review the open regime policy which has historically been there, but we are sensitive to the requirement of the border communities, so it is something which we are working on and part of the challenge is that there is very little government authority on the other side of the border,” said the foreign minister.

(With inputs from agencies)

India’s Foreign Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Friday (Dec 13) reiterated that the government of Bangladesh was responsible for safety of religious minorities in the country.

India’s Foreign Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Friday (Dec 13) reiterated that the government of Bangladesh was responsible for safety of religious minorities in the country. While speaking in Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament, Jaishankar said the treatment of Hindus in neighbouring Bangladesh was a matter of concern, referring to a series of attacks on Hindu temples by mobs. “It is our hope that with the new dispensation in Bangladesh, we will settle down to a mutually beneficial and stable relationship,” Jaishankar said in response to a question. Jaishankar added that New Delhi has been continuously raising concerns with Dhaka with a spate of measures, such as dispatching India’s Foreign Secretary to Dhaka and highlighting the issue. “Recently foreign secretary visited Dhaka. This subject came up during his meeting and it is our expectation that in its own interest, Bangladesh would take measures so that its minorities are safe,” Jaishankar said. Hindus have increasingly come under attack in Bangladesh since the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, earlier this week acknowledged that at least 88 incidents of violence had occurred against the Hindu community over the last few months. Also read: Bangladesh’s Loss Is Surat's Gain: Garment Sector Set For 25% Growth Jaishankar also talked about Myanmar and Pakistan in his detailed answer to questions asked by several lawmakers. The foreign minister said India was interested in maintaining good ties with Pakistan given Islamabad’s commitment to eradicate terrorism. "It is for Pakistan to show that they are changing their behavior," the top diplomat added. When asked about what steps the government of India was taking to stymie the inflow of drugs from Myanmar, Jaishankar said New Delhi had reviewed its open regime policy and the government is working to take measures while keeping in mind the sensitivities of border communities. Also read: Indian foreign secretary in Bangladesh: Misri raises New Delhi`s concern over safety of minorities “With regard to Myanmar, because of the very disturbed conditions in Myanmar, we have had to review the open regime policy which has historically been there, but we are sensitive to the requirement of the border communities, so it is something which we are working on and part of the challenge is that there is very little government authority on the other side of the border,” said the foreign minister. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Hoping for stable relationship,’ Jaishankar on Bangladesh ties amid attacks on Hindus

In 2021, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bangladesh, he offered a silver, gold-plated crown to goddess Kali at the Jeshoreshwari Temple in Satkhira district. The temple is revered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas spread across India and neighbouring countries. Thus it holds high cultural and religious significance for Hindus around the world.

The crown has reportedly been stolen now.

On Thursday (Oct 10), when the priest left the temple after performing worship, the cleaning staff noticed later the crown was missing from the goddess’s head.

A member from the priest’s family later told local media that the crown was made of silver and coated with gold.

The Indian government has now expressed concerns over the theft and called on Dhaka to open a probe and recover the crown as soon as possible.

<h2>About the Jeshoreshwari Temple</h2>

The Jeshoreshwari Temple is believed to have been built in the 12th century by a Brahmin named Anari.

Hindus believe the temple is located on the spot where the palms and soles of the goddess Sati fell, and the site is hailed as one of the most revered shrines in South Asia.

Over the past hundreds of years, the temple has undergone several renovations.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjf3KGcxoWJAxX-h68BHRT4L5IQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-army-chief-assures-security-for-hindus-ahead-of-durga-puja-764898" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-army-chief-assures-security-for-hindus-ahead-of-durga-puja-764898&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjf3KGcxoWJAxX-h68BHRT4L5IQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Bangladesh army chief assures security for Hindus ahead of Durga puja</a>

The temple was renovated in the 13th century by Lakshman Sen and then in the 16th century by Raja Pratapaditya.

An investigation has been launched into the theft and authorities are hopeful they would be able to nab the thieves using surveillance footage and other clues.

During his 2021 visit, Modi had also announced the construction of a multipurpose community hall at the temple, in a bid to improve people-to-people ties between the two nations. PM Modi had said the hall will not only facilitate organisation of religious, social and educational events in the area but also act as a shelter during extreme weather conditions, like cyclones and floods.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjf3KGcxoWJAxX-h68BHRT4L5IQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladeshs-interim-government-recalls-envoy-to-india-amid-tensions-between-neighbouring-countries-764016" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladeshs-interim-government-recalls-envoy-to-india-amid-tensions-between-neighbouring-countries-764016&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjf3KGcxoWJAxX-h68BHRT4L5IQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Bangladesh interim government recalls envoy to India amid tensions between neighbouring countries</a>

Bangladesh’s Hindu community has faced several targeted attacks over the past months amidst the political chaos in the country. The international community, including India and the US, has urged the country’s interim government to safeguard the interests of minority communities.

(With inputs from agencies)

In 2021, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bangladesh, he offered a silver, gold-plated crown to goddess Kali at the Jeshoreshwari Temple in Satkhira district.

In 2021, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bangladesh, he offered a silver, gold-plated crown to goddess Kali at the Jeshoreshwari Temple in Satkhira district. The temple is revered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas spread across India and neighbouring countries. Thus it holds high cultural and religious significance for Hindus around the world. The crown has reportedly been stolen now. On Thursday (Oct 10), when the priest left the temple after performing worship, the cleaning staff noticed later the crown was missing from the goddess’s head. A member from the priest’s family later told local media that the crown was made of silver and coated with gold. The Indian government has now expressed concerns over the theft and called on Dhaka to open a probe and recover the crown as soon as possible. About the Jeshoreshwari Temple The Jeshoreshwari Temple is believed to have been built in the 12th century by a Brahmin named Anari. Hindus believe the temple is located on the spot where the palms and soles of the goddess Sati fell, and the site is hailed as one of the most revered shrines in South Asia. Over the past hundreds of years, the temple has undergone several renovations. Also read: Bangladesh army chief assures security for Hindus ahead of Durga puja The temple was renovated in the 13th century by Lakshman Sen and then in the 16th century by Raja Pratapaditya. An investigation has been launched into the theft and authorities are hopeful they would be able to nab the thieves using surveillance footage and other clues. During his 2021 visit, Modi had also announced the construction of a multipurpose community hall at the temple, in a bid to improve people-to-people ties between the two nations. PM Modi had said the hall will not only facilitate organisation of religious, social and educational events in the area but also act as a shelter during extreme weather conditions, like cyclones and floods. Also read: Bangladesh interim government recalls envoy to India amid tensions between neighbouring countries Bangladesh’s Hindu community has faced several targeted attacks over the past months amidst the political chaos in the country. The international community, including India and the US, has urged the country’s interim government to safeguard the interests of minority communities. (With inputs from agencies)

India calls for investigation after deity's crown, gifted by Modi, stolen from Bangladesh temple

At least six people were killed and numerous more were injured in attacks on Bangladesh's Hindu minority during Durga Puja celebrations last week.

In connection with the incident, which reportedly began following a blasphemous remark on social media regarding the Quran, police have detained 450 individuals and filed 71 charges.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-riots-police-arrest-iqbal-hossain-man-suspected-of-placing-quran-at-durga-puja-pandal-422953">Also read | Bangladesh riots: Police arrest Iqbal Hossain, man suspected of placing Quran at Durga Puja Pandal</a>

This is not, however, the first incidence of communal violence in the Muslim-majority country. 
 
According to Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), a Bangladeshi human rights organisation, at least 3,600 similar attacks have occurred in Bangladesh since 2013.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islam-is-not-our-state-religion-will-revert-to-1972-constitution-bangladesh-minister-after-attack-on-hindus-421645">Also read | Islam is not our state religion, will revert to 1972 constitution: Bangladesh Minister after attack on Hindus</a>

Hindus make up fewer than 9% of Bangladesh's overall population of over 170 million people, with Muslims accounting for 90% of the country's population.

In the 1980s, the Hindu population was 13.5 per cent, according to government figures.

At the time of Partition in 1947, they were said to make up roughly 30% of the population.&nbsp;

According to Bangladeshi official figures, the Hindu population of Bangladesh has decreased from 13.5 per cent to 8.5 per cent during the last four decades.&nbsp; 
 
The German news website DW cited Rana Dasgupta, general secretary of the nonprofit Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC), as stating, "The purpose of the attacks is to force minorities out of their houses, to minimise the minority population of Bangladesh."&nbsp; 
 
Hindus in Bangladesh are found in all regions, according to the country's 2011 Housing and Population Census, with the districts of Khagrachari (16.81%), Magura (17.92%), Bagerhat (18.35%), Narail (20.56%), Thakurgaon (22.56%), Khulna (22.68%), and Moulvibazar (24.59%) having the highest concentration. 
 
There has, however, been a Hindu exodus from Bangladesh.&nbsp; 
 
According to the report, Hindus have been targeted for vandalism and arson in over 550 homes and 440 stores and enterprises during the last eight years. 
 
During the same period, more than 1,670 vandalism and arson assaults on Hindu temples, idols, and places of worship were documented.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

At least six people were killed and numerous more were injured in attacks on Bangladesh's Hindu minority during Durga Puja celebrations last week. In connection with the incident, which reportedly began following a blasphemous remark on social media regarding the Quran, police have detained 450 individuals and filed 71 charges.

At least six people were killed and numerous more were injured in attacks on Bangladesh's Hindu minority during Durga Puja celebrations last week. In connection with the incident, which reportedly began following a blasphemous remark on social media regarding the Quran, police have detained 450 individuals and filed 71 charges. Also read | Bangladesh riots: Police arrest Iqbal Hossain, man suspected of placing Quran at Durga Puja Pandal This is not, however, the first incidence of communal violence in the Muslim-majority country. According to Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), a Bangladeshi human rights organisation, at least 3,600 similar attacks have occurred in Bangladesh since 2013. Also read | Islam is not our state religion, will revert to 1972 constitution: Bangladesh Minister after attack on Hindus Hindus make up fewer than 9% of Bangladesh's overall population of over 170 million people, with Muslims accounting for 90% of the country's population. In the 1980s, the Hindu population was 13.5 per cent, according to government figures. At the time of Partition in 1947, they were said to make up roughly 30% of the population. According to Bangladeshi official figures, the Hindu population of Bangladesh has decreased from 13.5 per cent to 8.5 per cent during the last four decades. The German news website DW cited Rana Dasgupta, general secretary of the nonprofit Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC), as stating, "The purpose of the attacks is to force minorities out of their houses, to minimise the minority population of Bangladesh." Hindus in Bangladesh are found in all regions, according to the country's 2011 Housing and Population Census, with the districts of Khagrachari (16.81%), Magura (17.92%), Bagerhat (18.35%), Narail (20.56%), Thakurgaon (22.56%), Khulna (22.68%), and Moulvibazar (24.59%) having the highest concentration. There has, however, been a Hindu exodus from Bangladesh. According to the report, Hindus have been targeted for vandalism and arson in over 550 homes and 440 stores and enterprises during the last eight years. During the same period, more than 1,670 vandalism and arson assaults on Hindu temples, idols, and places of worship were documented. (With inputs from agencies)

More than 3,600 attacks on minority Hindus since 2013 in Bangladesh, rights groups concerned