New Delhi:
India on Tuesday condemned the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a Hindu priest and religious minority leader in Bangladesh. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also called on Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all other ethnic minorities in a statement. Chandan Kumar Dhar, also known as Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a prominent former leader of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Bangladesh, was arrested at the Dhaka airport on Monday afternoon. He was denied bail by a Dhaka court on Tuesday.
“We note with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Dasri, who is also the spokesperson of Samirit Sanatan Jagran Jote in Bangladesh. This follows multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by elements,” the statement read.
The MEA noted that there have been several documented incidents of arson and looting of ethnic minority homes and businesses, as well as theft, vandalism, and desecration of gods and temples in Bangladesh.
The MEA said: “It is unfortunate that charges should be brought against religious leaders who presented legitimate demands through peaceful assemblies while the perpetrators of these incidents are still at large. ” he said.
Statement regarding the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das: https://t.co/HbaFUPWds0 pic.twitter.com/cdgSx6iUQb
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) November 26, 2024
India also expressed concern over attacks on minorities peacefully protesting the arrest of Hindu leaders.
“We call on the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
According to a report in the Daily Star, Chinmoy Krishna Das, leader of the Hindu organization Samirita Sanatani Jote, has filed a complaint against Hazrat Shahjalal International in Dhaka in connection with the sedition case filed in Chattogram. He was first detained at the airport.
According to reports, the sedition case against 18 religious leaders was filed in Chattogram on October 31.
The arrests follow protests led by the Hindu community in the city of Rampur, about 300 kilometers north of Dhaka, demanding stronger legal protections and a ministry dedicated to minority issues.
Chinmoy Krishna Das’ arrest comes amid tensions over minority rights in the South Asian country, which has seen widespread political violence since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. About 8 percent of Bangladesh’s 170 million people are Hindu. Since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the new military-backed interim government led by Mohammed Yunus has faced criticism for failing to curb a surge in violence against minorities.
