The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) raised serious concerns on Friday over the surge in extremist rhetoric and increasing violence against minorities in Bangladesh, calling on the interim government in Dhaka to ensure the protection of Hindus and other minority communities.
During the weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India has consistently and strongly raised the issue of targeted attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus, with the Bangladesh government. He emphasized that India’s position on the protection of minorities in Bangladesh remains firm and clear.
“We are concerned about the surge of extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence and provocation. These developments cannot be dismissed merely as media exaggerations,” Jaiswal said. “We call upon the Bangladesh government to take all necessary steps for the protection of minorities and safeguarding their interests.”
Jaiswal also referred to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) as a globally respected organization with a long history of social service. He expressed hope that the ongoing legal processes involving individuals, such as the case against Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, would be conducted fairly, justly, and transparently.
“We see ISKCON as a globally well-regarded organization with a strong record of social service. We expect that the legal processes, especially in cases involving individuals, will be handled in a fair, just, and transparent manner, ensuring full respect for their legal rights,” Jaiswal added.
Anti-ISCKON protests
The controversy surrounding Chinmoy Krishna Das, a leader of ISKCON, has escalated in Bangladesh after he was charged with sedition for allegedly hoisting a saffron flag above Bangladesh’s national flag in Chittagong on October 25. Following the incident, protests erupted across the country, particularly after a lawyer was killed in clashes between police and alleged followers of Das on November 27 in Chattogram.
ISKCON’s Bangladesh unit has denied any connection between the organization and the killing of the lawyer, but protests have continued. On Friday, a group of protestors, linked to the Islamist group Hefazat-e-Islam, gathered outside the Bitul Mukarram Mosque in Dhaka, demanding a ban on ISKCON. Protestors were seen waving flags and chanting slogans, while a large police presence was stationed nearby to maintain order.
Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested in connection with the sedition charges, is currently in jail after a Chittagong court denied his bail on Tuesday. ISKCON has expressed solidarity with him, with the organization posting on social media that they stand by Das and are praying for the protection of all devotees.
“We stand with Chinmoy Krishna Das. Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of all these devotees,” ISKCON, Inc. said in a post on X.
Addressing the situation, Jaiswal said, “India has consistently and strongly raised with the Bangladesh government the threats and targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities. The interim government must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities.”
Regarding the ongoing legal processes, he reiterated that the Indian government expects all cases involving individuals like Chinmoy Krishna Das to be handled in a manner that respects their rights and ensures justice.
(Inputs from ANI)
