India Condemns Arrest of Hindu Priest Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh

India has strongly condemned the arrest and subsequent denial of bail to Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) voiced deep concern over the treatment of the religious leader, who also serves as the spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote.

The MEA highlighted troubling incidents of violence against minorities in Bangladesh, stating, “This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. Documented cases of arson, looting, and vandalism targeting minority homes, businesses, and temples remain unresolved.”

The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das has raised significant alarms, particularly among Hindu communities. The priest, a respected leader and active member of ISKCON, was detained by Bangladesh police near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Monday. While the specific charges against him remain unclear, a case filed in late October accused Das and 18 others of disrespecting the Bangladeshi national flag during a peaceful rally in Chattogram’s New Market area.

Protests and MEA’s Appeal

Supporters of Chinmoy Krishna Das have expressed outrage over his arrest. Demonstrators gathered at the Chattogram Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court premises, chanting slogans after the court denied bail and ordered Das to remain in custody.

The MEA’s statement criticized the Bangladesh authorities for targeting a religious leader who had been advocating for minority rights through peaceful means. “It is unfortunate that while perpetrators of violence against minorities walk free, charges are pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings,” the MEA remarked.

India has urged Bangladesh to take immediate steps to safeguard the rights of its minority communities. The MEA reiterated, “We urge Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.”

Context of the Arrest

The arrest comes amidst growing concerns about the safety of Hindus and other minority groups in Bangladesh. Reports of targeted attacks, including desecration of temples and theft from minority-owned businesses, have painted a grim picture of escalating intolerance.

The case against Chinmoy Krishna Das is part of an incident on October 30, when a peaceful rally by the Hindu community in Chattogram led to allegations of disrespecting national symbols. The key organizer of Sanatani Jagran Jote, Gaurang Das Brahmachari, claimed that the accusations are baseless and politically motivated.

India-Bangladesh Relations at a Crossroads

The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das has added another layer of tension to the delicate relationship between India and Bangladesh. While the two nations have cooperated on various economic and security issues, the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh remains a contentious topic.

Global Appeal for Justice

The incident has sparked international attention, with human rights organizations urging the Bangladesh government to conduct a fair investigation and address the root causes of minority persecution. Leaders from various communities have called for global solidarity to ensure justice for those facing religious intolerance.

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