India has expressed deep concern regarding the theft of a religious article from the Jeshoreshwari Temple in Bangladesh and has urged local law enforcement to thoroughly investigate the incident and hold the responsible parties accountable. The High Commission in Dhaka is actively engaged with Bangladeshi authorities concerning this matter.

The stolen crown belonged to the Goddess Kali and was presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the temple in March 2021. The theft allegedly took place on Thursday between 2:00 PM and 2:30 PM, shortly after Temple Priest Dilip Mukherjee finished the day’s worship. The crown was later found missing from the deity’s head by the cleaning staff.

Inspector Taizul Islam of the Shyamnagar Police Station mentioned that they are currently reviewing CCTV footage to identify the perpetrator. The crown, crafted from silver and gold-plated materials, holds significant cultural and religious importance.

The Jeshoreshwari Temple is regarded as one of the 51 Shakti Peeths in Hindu mythology, symbolizing the goddess’s presence in various regions of India and neighboring countries. The name “Jeshoreshwari” translates to “Goddess of Jeshore.” During his visit on March 27, 2021, PM Modi placed the crown on the deity’s head as a symbolic gesture, reinforcing the temple’s cultural significance.

In a statement on X, the High Commission of India in Bangladesh reiterated its concern over the theft and urged the Bangladeshi government to take swift action to recover the crown and prosecute those responsible.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor, Mohammed Touhid Hossain, emphasized the necessity of fostering “good working relations” with India, describing it as Dhaka’s “largest neighbor.” Speaking with ANI, he noted that while both nations are committed to maintaining their diplomatic ties, the specific topic of Sheikh Hasina was not addressed during discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

Touhid stated that his conversations with Jaishankar were constructive, indicating a mutual desire for positive relations. He reiterated that despite the challenges surrounding visa issuance, trade has resumed after an initial lull following the recent government transition in Bangladesh.

He expressed confidence that bilateral relations would continue as usual, highlighting the numerous common interests shared between the two countries. Touhid noted that while some individuals may harbor strong sentiments against one another, it is crucial to focus on mutual interests rather than hostilities.

Addressing recent media claims regarding US involvement in political changes in Bangladesh, he refrained from making comments but recognized the sacrifices made by the youth in their quest for democratic reforms. He characterized the protests that led to Sheikh Hasina’s ousting as spontaneous movements rather than orchestrated actions.

In the wake of the political upheaval, allegations of violence against minority groups were raised, but Touhid clarified that incidents were predominantly politically motivated rather than religiously driven. He emphasized that violence had affected both Hindus and Muslims, particularly targeting supporters of the Awami League party.

Regarding the recent protests against Durga Puja, Touhid assured that celebrations would continue as they have for centuries, stating that worshippers would have the opportunity to practice their faith without interruption.

Bangladesh is currently navigating a fluid political landscape following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and subsequent departure to India amid widespread protests, primarily led by students seeking government job reforms.

The Indian mission in Dhaka is currently undergoing a major overhaul. Just a week after Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s long-time leader, departed the country abruptly, India’s diplomatic and security teams have initiated efforts to engage with the new interim government.

Pranay Verma, India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, promptly met with Mohd Yunus, who assumed leadership of the interim government on Thursday night. India’s interest in an ‘inclusive’ advisory council supported by the military aligns with its strategic goals, as opposed to a government led solely by a political party like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) or a BNP-led coalition with the Jamaat-e-Islami. Since 2009, India has been seen as a staunch ally of Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League, often sidelining other political factions.

Despite attempts by the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami to engage with India since 2011, both the UPA and Modi administrations have been cautious, due to the history of hostility and anti-India activities from the BNP-Jamaat coalition. The insurgency in India’s northeast was exacerbated during this period, only being addressed after joint operations led to the capture of key insurgent leaders in 2011-12.

Indian diplomats and security officials in Dhaka will now have to work diligently to build relationships with the new Bangladeshi leadership. Mohd Yunus is somewhat familiar to Indian officials, though there is skepticism regarding his leadership capabilities, given his lack of government experience and his Western orientation. The primary concern is his ability to manage the diverse and potentially extreme views within the interim advisory council.

India maintains a positive relationship with Bangladesh’s current military leadership, who have generally viewed India favorably. During the recent crisis, Indian and Bangladeshi military and intelligence agencies stayed in constant communication, and an emergency evacuation plan was reviewed. This plan, initially established after the 2009 BDR mutiny, was designed to ensure the safety of Indian diplomats and their families, although evacuation by Indian Air Force planes was eventually deemed too risky.

As Sheikh Hasina was preparing to leave, Indian officials had advised her advisers to seek a conciliatory approach toward protesting students, but Hasina remained resolute, suspecting a conspiracy involving the U.S. Her exit was ultimately facilitated by a call from her son, Sajeeb Wajed Joy, who convinced her to leave.

For Hasina’s future, the fact that she remains in India suggests that India is open to her presence in the short term. Whether she will return to Bangladesh is uncertain, though her son hints at a possible comeback. For India, the close alliance with Hasina’s administration has ended, and the focus now shifts to navigating a new diplomatic landscape. The coming months will be crucial for Indian diplomacy as it adjusts to the evolving political environment in Bangladesh, recognizing that India’s geographical proximity remains a significant factor in the region.

Bangladesh’s interim government has taken the significant step of revoking all diplomatic passports that were issued to Members of Parliament during the term of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This action, which also includes the cancellation of Hasina’s own diplomatic passport, is part of a broader effort by the interim administration to realign the country’s diplomatic and political stance as general elections approach.

The diplomatic passports, which once allowed MPs to travel visa-free to certain countries, were granted under Hasina’s administration. The revocation reflects the interim government’s push to reshape Bangladesh’s political landscape in preparation for the upcoming elections.

Sheikh Hasina has been in India since August 5, seeking refuge due to increasing threats and violence in Bangladesh. After spending two weeks in India, her future remains uncertain as she attempts to secure asylum in the UK or another European country, with no country yet granting her request.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has confirmed Hasina’s presence in India and acknowledged her need for assistance. However, her prolonged stay could strain diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh, especially as Bangladesh has begun advocating for her extradition.

Experts note that while Bangladesh has not formally requested her extradition, India is not legally obligated to comply with such a request should it be made. In a recent speech in Dhaka, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), urged for Hasina’s return to Bangladesh, emphasizing that she should stand trial in her home country. He appealed directly to India, urging them to hand Hasina over for legal proceedings, as the people of Bangladesh have decided she should face justice.

Reports suggest that Mirza Fakhrul has accused Hasina of attempting to exacerbate the ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh from her position in India.

On Monday, Bangladesh’s newly appointed top security official, Lt Gen (retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, acknowledged that maintaining law and order is the primary challenge facing the interim government. He expressed the administration’s commitment to swiftly addressing these issues. In a media briefing, Chowdhury stressed the importance of resolving security concerns and elaborated on his dual roles overseeing both home affairs and agriculture.

Chowdhury, who took office on Friday, emphasized the urgency of tackling the law and order situation. He succeeded Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain as the home adviser following criticisms of Hussain’s performance from student leaders and media reports. This change came amid significant unrest after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India on August 5, following widespread protests against her government’s controversial quota system. The ensuing violence has claimed over 230 lives, bringing the total death toll to more than 600 since the protests began in mid-July.

The interim administration, led by 84-year-old Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as Chief Adviser, has responded by transferring the heads of all 50 police stations under the Dhaka Metropolitan Police. This measure aims to stabilize the situation in the capital and beyond.

In addition to his home affairs responsibilities, Chowdhury outlined his agricultural goals, which include increasing food production to better feed the population. He also met with UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis to discuss potential UN support for various sectors. Chowdhury highlighted the need for additional aid in managing the Rohingya crisis, with the population now exceeding 1.2 million. He expressed concerns about the rising costs and the sustainability of current support levels.

Chowdhury noted that a UN fact-finding mission is expected to visit Bangladesh next week to further assess the situation and discuss the kind of support required.

In his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on Thursday about the recent attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. Expressing his hope for a swift return to normalcy, he emphasized the need for Bangladesh to continue its journey towards development and prosperity. The Prime Minister also acknowledged the deep concern among Indians regarding the safety of Hindus and other minorities in the neighboring country.

“As a neighboring nation, I can fully understand the concerns arising from the recent events in Bangladesh. I sincerely hope that the situation stabilizes soon. The safety of Hindus and minorities there is a matter of concern for 1.4 billion Indians,” Modi stated.

The Prime Minister reiterated India’s commitment to peace and its desire for neighboring countries to thrive in prosperity and tranquility. He affirmed that India would continue to extend its best wishes for Bangladesh’s progress, viewing the welfare of all humanity as a core value.

This marks the second occasion on which Prime Minister Modi has addressed the issue of Hindus in Bangladesh. Earlier, when the interim government assumed power, he urged Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor, to prioritize the safety and security of Hindus, who had been targeted by violent groups.

Following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina as Prime Minister and her departure from Dhaka on August 5, the Hindu community in Bangladesh has been subjected to a series of attacks and threats. According to the Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance, these incidents have occurred in 278 locations across 48 districts. The alliance reported widespread vandalism, looting, arson, land seizures, and threats, all of which have escalated in the wake of the governmental transition.

Palash Kanti Dey, the spokesperson for the alliance, emphasized during a press conference at the National Press Club in Dhaka that the recent incidents are more than just personal attacks—they represent a broader assault on the Hindu religion itself. He highlighted the alarming scale of these threats, noting that by Monday, the Hindu community had been targeted in 278 different locations across 48 districts.

Adding to the distress, the Daily Star reported that on Tuesday night, a Hindu family’s home in the Farabari Mandirpara village of Thakurgaon Sadar upazila was set ablaze, highlighting the ongoing violence.

Bangladesh’s newly appointed adviser to the Ministry of Home Affairs has pledged to take decisive legal measures against those who perpetrate violence or abuse towards minority groups. He emphasized that such acts of violence, conflict, or hatred have no place in Bangladesh.

This assurance was given by Brigadier General (retd) M. Sakhawat Hussain during a meeting with representatives from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Bangladesh. The meeting took place at his office in the Secretariat, as reported by the Dhaka Tribune.

Following the resignation and departure of Sheikh Hasina from office on August 5, Bangladesh has witnessed a surge in violence against Hindu communities. Massive protests against her government over a controversial job quota system preceded her resignation, leaving the country in turmoil.

Mr. Hussain reiterated that Bangladesh has always been a nation of communal harmony, where people of various religious backgrounds have coexisted peacefully. He made it clear that anyone who attacks or abuses minorities will face swift legal action, as the country stands firmly against violence and discord.

During the meeting, ISKCON Bangladesh’s president, Satyaranjan Baroi, urged the adviser to prioritize the safety of minority groups. He presented eight proposals aimed at enhancing their protection, including enacting new laws, establishing monitoring cells, forming a Minority Commission, and providing continuous state security for temples.

The Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance reported that since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, minority communities have faced attacks and threats in 278 locations across 48 districts, describing this as an “assault on the Hindu religion.” Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who leads the interim government, reached out to the affected Hindu community, urging them to remain patient. He assured them that his government would hold accountable those responsible for the attacks.

Additionally, on Monday, Hussain’s ministry established a hotline to encourage citizens to report any incidents of violence against religious institutions, including temples and churches.

Bangladesh is teetering on the brink of chaos as it confronts a profound economic crisis, worsened by widespread unrest. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, July witnessed an unprecedented spike in inflation, reaching 11.66%—a record high over the past 12 years. Particularly alarming is the surge in food inflation, which soared past 14%, marking the highest level in 13 years, as reported by The Daily Star.

The ongoing protests have severely disrupted the nation’s supply chain, exacerbating the challenges faced by businesses across Bangladesh. Compounding the issue is a liquidity crisis within the business sector, driven by restrictions imposed by the central bank on cash withdrawals. This measure, capping withdrawals at 200,000 Bangladeshi Taka, has been introduced amid the political turmoil following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s government. The interim administration, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is now tasked with restoring stability in the country.

Amid this turmoil, local markets like Kawran Bazar in Dhaka are feeling the strain. Retailers are struggling to maintain stable prices for essential goods despite the depreciation of the Bangladeshi Taka against the US dollar. Retailers warn, however, that prices are likely to rise soon due to the ongoing instability. Although Dhaka has seen a temporary lull in protests, other parts of the country remain volatile.

In conversations with India Today, retailers such as Shafiqur and Rafiq shared their concerns about the rising costs of staples like rice and pulses, which have already seen slight increases due to import disruptions. While they have managed to keep prices steady for now, they expect to raise them in the near future as the cost of imported goods continues to climb. Bangladesh relies heavily on imports from neighboring countries like India for essential commodities, including pulses, dry fruits, and spices, all of which are expected to see further price hikes due to the fractured supply chain.

The situation is further aggravated by a sharp decline in Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves, which fell from $21.78 billion in June to $20.48 billion at the end of July. This nearly $1.3 billion drop has forced the interim government under Muhammad Yunus to implement stringent measures, including limiting daily cash withdrawals. According to local trader Islam Mohammad, these restrictions are hampering their ability to purchase foreign currency, which is crucial for trade. The resulting slowdown in trade is anticipated to fuel further inflation in the country.

Bangladesh’s unrest, which initially erupted over grievances with the quota system in government jobs, has escalated into widespread anti-government demonstrations, leading to significant casualties. The violence and chaos ultimately led to Sheikh Hasina’s resignation as Prime Minister, with Muhammad Yunus stepping in as the interim leader. The turmoil has also triggered a mass exodus of minorities, particularly Hindus, who have been targeted by mobs amidst the unrest. Reports of vandalism, looting, and lynching have flooded social media, prompting Yunus and other political figures to repeatedly call for peace. The new leadership, particularly, has urged student protesters to safeguard minority communities during this turbulent time.

The United States has firmly denied any involvement in the ongoing political crisis in Bangladesh, which has seen widespread protests and resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed the issue during a media briefing on Monday, where she categorically refuted the allegations.

“We have had no involvement at all,” Jean-Pierre stated. “Any reports or rumors suggesting that the United States government was involved in these events are simply false. That is not true.”

Jean-Pierre emphasized that only its own people should determine Bangladesh’s future. “This is a choice made by and for the Bangladeshi people.” So we believe the Bangladeshi people should decide the future of their government. Any allegations to the contrary are simply untrue,” she reiterated.

Jean-Pierre assured that the U.S. government is closely monitoring the situation following the protests outside the White House in response to recent attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. “We are certainly going to continue monitoring the situation. I don’t have anything else to say or add beyond that,” she noted.

She further added that President Biden has been consistent in addressing human rights issues, both publicly and privately. “When it comes to any type of human rights issue, the President has been very consistent in speaking loud and clear both in public and privately, and he will continue to do so.” But I don’t have any specific engagement to speak to at this time,” Jean-Pierre said.

Bangladesh is currently experiencing a volatile political environment, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stepping down from her position on August 5 amidst growing protests. Initially sparked by student-led demonstrations demanding an end to a quota system for government jobs, these protests have since escalated into broader anti-government demonstrations.

In response to the situation in Bangladesh, a large group of protesters gathered outside the White House last Friday, rallying against the reported violence targeting minority Hindus and other groups in the country following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The protesters, carrying American and Bangladeshi flags, held signs calling for the protection of Bangladeshi minorities and chanted slogans demanding justice and peace.

The protest attracted activists from various human rights organizations, as well as members of the Bangladeshi diaspora and Indian-American Hindu allies from Washington, Maryland, Virginia, and New York.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also addressed the situation, calling for the “safety and protection” of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. On Thursday, PM Modi posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) expressing his best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus, who has taken on new responsibilities, and expressing hope for a return to normalcy in Bangladesh.

“My best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus as he assumes his new responsibilities. We hope for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities. India remains committed to working with Bangladesh to fulfill the shared aspirations of both our peoples for peace, security, and development,” PM Modi stated.

The situation in Bangladesh has led thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus to flee to neighboring India in an effort to escape the violence. Hindus, who constitute about eight percent of Bangladesh’s population of 170 million, have traditionally supported Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party. However, the party has faced significant backlash following violent clashes between anti-quota protesters and security forces in recent weeks.

Several U.S. leaders, including Republican Congressman Pat Fallon and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, have also condemned the reported violence in Bangladesh, voicing their concerns over the treatment of minorities in the country.