Delhi urges Dhaka to restrain extremist elements

New Delhi, June 23: India today called on the Bangladesh government to control extremist elements responsible for the desecration of pictures of Hindu deities and also ensure the safety of minorities there.

The Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, RandhirJaiswal made this point at the weekly media briefing while replying to a question related to news reports on desecration of pictures of Hindu deities and the uproar in Bangladesh." We have seen news reports from Bangladesh regarding acts of desecration involving Hindu deities and their images, which have sparked protests, we expect the Bangladesh government to control the extremists there and guarantee the safety of the minority community.''

Tension and protests escalated across Bangladesh following the alleged desecration of an image of Lord Ram during a demonstration by Islamist groups who were opposing the construction of a giant statue of the Hindu deity in Gaibandha district.

Hindus came out on the streets in large numbers on Friday and marched with torchlights. While chanting 'Jai Shri Ram', they demanded action against those allegedly responsible for desecration of the pictures of Lord Ram.