Blitz Bureau
INDIA has expressed its “deep concern” over the arrest and subsequent denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha and head of Pundarik Dham in Chittagong. After being taken into custody by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 4:30 pm on November 25, Das was produced before Judge Kazi Shariful Islam of Chittagong’s 6th Metropolitan Magistrate around 10:30 am local time on November 26.
The judge, after rejecting his bail plea, sent Das – associated with International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) – to jail. Condemning the shocking developments, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on November 26 that it has noted with “deep concern” the arrest and denial of bail to Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Jote.
Highlighting the broader context of continuing violence against minorities in Bangladesh, especially Hindus, the MEA added, “This incident follows multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. Documented cases of arson, looting of minority homes and businesses, theft, vandalism, and desecration of deities and temples are deeply troubling.
“It is unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, charges should be pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings. We also note with concern the attacks on minorities protesting peacefully against the arrest of Das,” the ministry stated.
India also urged the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right to peaceful assembly and expression.
Several protests broke out in various parts of Bangladesh, including Chittagong, as the news about Das’s arrest spread on social media.
Several videos that later went viral on social media showed Bangladeshi policemen charging at the protestors who were chanting slogans and demanding immediate release of Das. It is believed that dozens of Hindu protestors were injured during the protest rally. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) also urged the Indian Government to take immediate steps, seeking the release of prominent Hindu leader.
“We have come across disturbing reports that Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das, one of the prominent leaders of ISKCON Bangladesh, has been detained by the Dhaka police. It is outrageous to make baseless allegations that ISKCON has anything to do with terrorism anywhere in the world,” ISKCON said in a statement.
“We want the Government of Bangladesh to release Chinmoy Krishna Das immediately. Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of these devotees,” it added.
The latest incident has once again raised serious concerns about the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh, which form the largest minority community.
