Bangladesh: India expresses deep concern over arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das

India on Tuesday reacted to the arrest of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari and urged the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities in the South Asian country.

The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern over the arrest of the Hindu monk.

“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,” MEA said in a statement.

“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 statement said.

“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,” the statement said.

India also expressed concern over the ‘attack’ on minorities who were protesting against the arrest of Das.

Amid reports of continuing persecution of Hindus since the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh, ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was arrested on Monday over sedition charges at Dhaka airport as he was leaving the country. He was later produced in a court in Chittagong which sent him to prison.

The Bangladesh authorities filed a case on Oct 30 against Brahmachari, who has been vocal over violence against Hindus and other religious minorities.

Besides him, the sedition case charged 18 others for allegedly hoisting a saffron flag over Bangladesh’s national flag at Chittagong’s New Market intersection on October 25.