India on Thursday denounced the reported destruction of a Durga temple in Dhaka and said it is the responsibility of Bangladesh’s interim government to protect Hindus as well as religious institutions.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also said India is prepared to engage with Bangladesh on “all matters” in an environment that is conducive for mutually beneficial dialogue. His remarks came in response to a question on the possible renewal of the Ganges water treaty with Bangladesh next year.

Mr Jaiswal was critical of Bangladeshi authorities for the reported destruction of the temple.

“We understand that extremists were clamouring for demolishing the Durga temple in Khilkhet, Dhaka,” he said.

“The interim government, instead of providing security to the temple, projected the episode as illegal land use…and they allowed the destruction of the temple today,” he said.

“This has resulted in damage to the deity before it was shifted. We are dismayed that such incidents continue to recur in Bangladesh,” he added.

Mr Jaiswal underlined that it is the responsibility of the interim government of Bangladesh “to protect Hindus, their properties, and religious institutions.”

Asked about India’s decision to curb Bangladeshi exports via land ports, he said the measures were based on Dhaka’s own quest for “fairness, equal treatment, and reciprocity”.