Ensure safety and security of Hindus, all minorities: India urges Bangladesh after arrest of Hindu priest
| 2024-11-26
The MEA also expressed concern over attacks on minorities protesting peacefully against the arrest.
Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent ISKCON leader of Bangladesh, was detained by the police in Dhaka
Condemning the arrest and subsequent denial of bail to Hindu priest and religious minority leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh, India on Tuesday (November 26, 2024) urged the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety of Hindus and other minority groups in the country.
“We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities' homes and business establishments, as well as theft and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples,” the MEA said in a statement.
The MEA went on to describe as “unfortunate” the fact that while perpetrators of these incidents remained free, charges were being pressed against a religious leader who was peacefully presenting legitimate demands. It also expressed concern over attacks on those protesting peacefully against the arrest of Das.
“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 Shri Das,” the statement said.
“We urge Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression,” the MEA stated.
According to news reports, Das was arrested at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in connection with a sedition case filed against him in October after he led protests against atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. A court later denied bail to him.
Das was associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) for many years. In a statement, ISKCON described the allegations against Das as “outrageous” and “baseless” and asked for his immediate release. It also requested the Indian government to take up the issue with the government of Bangladesh.
“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,Inc. urges the Government of India to take immediate steps and speak to the Government of Bangladesh and convey that we are a peace-loving Bhakti movement.
We want the Government of Bangladesh to release Chinmoy Krishna Das immediately. Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of these devotees,” the ISKCON statement read.
A senior ISKCON office-bearer later thanked the MEA for standing against the arrest.
“We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities' homes and business establishments, as well as theft and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples,” the MEA said in a statement.
The MEA went on to describe as “unfortunate” the fact that while perpetrators of these incidents remained free, charges were being pressed against a religious leader who was peacefully presenting legitimate demands. It also expressed concern over attacks on those protesting peacefully against the arrest of Das.
“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 Shri Das,” the statement said.
“We urge Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression,” the MEA stated.
According to news reports, Das was arrested at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in connection with a sedition case filed against him in October after he led protests against atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. A court later denied bail to him.
Das was associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) for many years. In a statement, ISKCON described the allegations against Das as “outrageous” and “baseless” and asked for his immediate release. It also requested the Indian government to take up the issue with the government of Bangladesh.
“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,Inc. urges the Government of India to take immediate steps and speak to the Government of Bangladesh and convey that we are a peace-loving Bhakti movement.
We want the Government of Bangladesh to release Chinmoy Krishna Das immediately. Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of these devotees,” the ISKCON statement read.
A senior ISKCON office-bearer later thanked the MEA for standing against the arrest.
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