The Government of Bangladesh has called for calm and factual understanding following reports concerning the removal of a makeshift Durga temple in Khilkhet area of Dhaka, asserting its continued commitment to protecting religious freedoms and community harmony.
In a statement issued Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) emphasized that Bangladesh remains steadfast in preserving its inclusive and pluralistic society, where individuals of all faiths can live and practice their beliefs freely.
The statement follows media coverage alleging the destruction of a Hindu temple, which the government clarified was a temporary structure erected on state-owned land without prior authorization. According to the MoFA, the makeshift Puja Mandap was constructed by the local Hindu community during Durga Puja last year on land belonging to Bangladesh Railways.
“Although no prior permission was sought, the Railways authority later granted temporary use of the land under the condition that the structure be removed after the festival,” the statement said. “However, the organisers did not dismantle the Mandap and instead established a permanent deity (Kali Murti), breaching the mutual agreement.”
The Ministry further noted that the land in question lies directly within a 200-foot corridor owned by Bangladesh Railways, which is currently being cleared to accommodate critical infrastructure upgrades, including the construction of additional railway lines under an ongoing national project.
Despite repeated notifications issued to all illegal occupants — including vendors, makeshift shops, and political offices — the unauthorized structures remained, the ministry explained. As a final measure, eviction notices were issued on June 24 and 25, followed by a peaceful clearance operation on June 26.
During the operation, the idol from the temporary temple was immersed in the nearby Balu River "with due respect and in the presence of local Hindu community members," the statement said.
The MoFA stressed that reclaiming government land from unauthorized occupation is a routine administrative function and not aimed at any religious group.
“The laws of Bangladesh unequivocally guarantee the protection of all lawful places of worship,” the Ministry added. “However, no religious or other structures may be established by encroaching on public land.”
It also accused the temple organisers of abusing the goodwill of the Railways by violating the temporary arrangement. “This action was not in line with the spirit of mutual understanding and respect,” the ministry stated.
Reiterating Bangladesh’s historic commitment to interfaith coexistence, the government urged all parties and observers “not to react based on misinformation or partial narratives, but to consider the facts in their entirety.”
