Facing severe backlash from Hindus worldwide over the shocking arrest and jailing of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha and head of Pundarik Dham in Chittagong, the Bangladesh government, led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, went into damage control mode, asserting its commitment to “upholding communal harmony” in the country.
After being taken into custody by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch (DB) at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 4:30 PM on Monday, Das was presented before Judge Kazi Shariful Islam of Chittagong’s 6th Metropolitan Court at around 10:30 AM local time on Tuesday.
The judge, after rejecting his bail plea, sent the Hindu priest—who is also associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)—to jail.
Condemning the shocking developments, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday that it had noted with “deep concern” the arrest and denial of bail to Das, who is also affiliated with ISKCON in Bangladesh.
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 have been deeply troubling.”
“It is unfortunate that, while the perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, charges are being pressed against a religious leader who was presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings. We also note with concern the attacks on minorities protesting peacefully against the arrest of Shri Das,” the Ministry said.
India also urged Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right to peaceful assembly and expression.
Reacting to MEA’s statement late Tuesday evening, the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry said that the matter was an “internal affair” of Bangladesh.
“It is with utter dismay and a deep sense of hurt that the Government of Bangladesh notes that the arrest of Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das has been misconstrued by certain quarters since Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on specific charges. The Government of Bangladesh maintains that such unfounded statements not only misrepresent facts but also stand contrary to the spirit of friendship and understanding between the two neighboring countries,” read a statement issued by the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry.
It further emphasized that India’s statement does not reflect the harmony that exists among the peoples of all faiths and the commitment and efforts of the Bangladeshi government and its people in maintaining such unity.
“Bangladesh reaffirms in the strongest terms that every Bangladeshi, regardless of religious identity, has the right to establish, maintain, and perform respective religious rituals and practices or express views without hindrance. Ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, particularly religious minorities, remains a duty of the Government of Bangladesh. This was yet again vindicated by the peaceful observance of Durga Puja throughout Bangladesh only last month,” the statement continued.
Meanwhile, local authorities in Chittagong have claimed that a lawyer was killed during a clash between police and followers of Das in the Chattogram Court Building area.
The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry stated that the interim government is deeply concerned over the “brutal killing” of 32-year-old advocate Saiful Islam Alif, and authorities have stepped up security in the port city to ensure that religious harmony is maintained at all costs.
However, local media quoted Hindu leaders who denied any involvement in the lawyer’s death.
“Kanchan Acharjee, a central leader of the Sammilita Jagaran Jote, denied the involvement of their organization in the violence and the killing of the lawyer in Chattogram. He also demanded the authorities concerned carry out a proper investigation into the killing and bring the culprits to justice,” reported Bangladesh’s Daily Star.
(Inputs from IANS)
