No action taken against illegal mosques and madarasas on the railway’s land : Adv. Govind Chandra Pramanik

• Issue of railway administration demolishing Shri Durga Devi Temple in Bangladesh

• Protest marches and human chains held across Bangladesh to condemn the incident

Protests by devout Hindus

Dhaka (Bangladesh) – Shri Durgadevi Temple built on railway’s land at Khilkhet was demolished by the railway administration due to the pressure exerted by Muslims. On the following day, Hindus staged demonstrations, besides making human chains in many cities in Bangladesh to protest against such action. Advocate Govind Chandra Pramanik, Secretary General, Bangladesh Jatio Hindu Mohajote (Bangladesh National Grand Alliance) stated that there are mosques and madarasas also on the railway’s land where the Hindu temple was demolished. There are many illegal constructions too. In this situation, demolition of only temples and idols prove that the extremists have entered the interim Government of Bangladesh.

Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Ekata Parishad’ observe ‘Bandh’

Bangladesh Sanatani group, Sanatani Andolan and Bangladesh Rashtriya Hindu Mahasangh staged demonstrations against the indifference of the interim Government. On 28.06.2025, ‘Bandh’ was observed across Bangladesh by ‘Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Ekata Parishad’ and various Hindu organisations staged agitations.

Action taken against temple for it was built on railway land – Justification by Bangladesh Govt

Bangladesh Government gave an explanation after India criticised it for demolishing Shri Durgadevi Temple. The foreign ministry of Bangladesh has said that the temple in Dhaka’s Khilkhet area was built on railway’s land and the action was taken to reclaim the public land, following a proper procedure. The temple was first a temporary pandal and despite warning the organisers many times, they tried to build a permanent structure; therefore, on 26.06.2025, railway peacefully removed all illegal structures around the tracks. The laws of the nation protect all religious places without any discrimination based on religion; but encroachment on public land is not allowed for any religious structure. The Bangladesh Government is committed to protect rights and worship places of all communities.

Govt claims to have taken action against illegal shops, party offices, etc.

Railway Ministry’s advisor Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan claimed while giving explanation about the temple demolition action that, 100 shops, offices of political parties, one temporary bazar and lastly, the temple were removed. The idols from the temple were immersed in river water with due respect.

Editorial Perspective

Not only in Bangladesh but at many places even in India, instead of taking action against mosques and madarasas on Government lands, action is taken only against Hindu temples.