India on Tuesday condemned the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a Hindu priest and a religious minority leader in Bangladesh. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also urged the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all other minorities. 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 a Dhaka airport on Monday afternoon. He was denied bail by a Dhaka court on Tuesday,
“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,” the statement read.
The MEA noted that there are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities’ homes and business establishments, as well as theft, vandalism and desecration of deities and temples in Bangladesh.
“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,” MEA said.
Our statement on the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das:https://t.co/HbaFUPWds0 pic.twitter.com/cdgSx6iUQb
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) November 26, 2024
India also expressed concern about the attacks on minorities protesting peacefully against the arrest of the Hindu leader.
“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.
Chinmoy Krishna Das, a leader of the Hindu group Sammilita Sanatani Jote, leader was first detained at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in connection with a sedition case filed against him in Chattogram, according to a report by The Daily Star.
The sedition case against the religious leader and 18 others was filed on October 31 in Chattogram, the report said.
The arrest follows protests led by the Hindu community in the city of Rangpur, located nearly 300 km north of Dhaka, demanding stronger legal protections and a ministry dedicated to minority affairs.
Chinmoy Krishna Das’s arrest came amid tensions over minority rights in the South Asian country that has seen widespread political violence since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. Hindus comprise approximately 8 per cent of Bangladesh’s 170 million people. Since the ouster of former PM Sheikh Hasina, the new military-backed interim government led by Mohammed Yunus has faced criticism for failing to curb a spike in violence against minorities.
