The demolition of a temporary Durga temple in Khilkhet, on the outskirts of Dhaka, has stirred widespread anger across Bangladesh, especially as it occurred just a day ahead of the Hindu festival of Rath Yatra on June 26. The incident has sparked intense protests, university campus demonstrations, and a nationwide shutdown called jointly by the Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council and the Hindu Federation.
Protesters gathered at key locations like Shahbag in Dhaka, criticizing what they claim to be a targeted action against Hindu religious institutions. Advocate Gobind Chandra Pramanik, a prominent Hindu leader, argued that despite numerous unauthorized structures in the area—including mosques and madrasas—only the temple was singled out and destroyed. “This shows the deep-seated influence of extremist elements in the administration,” he said.
According to Bangladesh Railway officials, the structure was torn down as part of a wider drive to clear illegal encroachments on railway land. However, the temple committee refuted this, stating that they had prior permission to conduct Durga Puja rituals and were not served any formal notice about the demolition. They also claimed that the temple had come under attack two days earlier, on June 24, when over 500 individuals stormed the site with sticks while devotees were present.
“The bulldozer crushed the temple with the idol still inside,” said Arjun Roy, secretary of the temple committee, challenging the official claim that the idol was immersed respectfully in the Balu River. Eyewitnesses supported Roy’s version, adding that no immersion had taken place by the night of June 26.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded with sharp criticism. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed deep disappointment and stated that instead of protecting the temple, Bangladeshi authorities demolished it under the pretext of it being an illegal structure. “The idol was desecrated even before proper removal could occur,” he said.
In response, the Bangladesh government claimed that all makeshift establishments along the railway, including political offices and businesses, had been issued removal notices. They also accused the temple organizers of violating earlier agreements made with railway authorities. The government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding religious freedom and protecting places of worship, but the incident has already intensified scrutiny over the treatment of minorities in the country.
