In Kolkata on Sunday, Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh participated in a protest rally organized by Nagendra Mission and the Bengali Citizens Forum against the escalating violence targeting minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus.
Speaking at the rally, Ghosh criticized the central government, stating, “We are protesting against what is happening in Bangladesh. CM Mamata Banerjee has already said that since we (West Bengal) are a state, we have no role in this international matter. But, the central government is doing nothing. They should take strict action to stop the violence in Bangladesh.”
Tripura Hotels Ban Bangladeshi Citizens
Meanwhile, the All Tripura Hotel and Restaurant Owners’ Association (ATHROA) announced on December 2 that hotels and restaurants in Tripura will no longer serve Bangladeshi citizens. Bhaskar Chakraborty, Office Secretary of ATHROA, stated, “No hotel will be available for Bangladeshi citizens starting December 2.”
In a similar move, the Malda Hotel Owners’ Association declared that Bangladeshi citizens will not be provided accommodation without permission from the administration or police officials. Jayanta Kundu, President of the Malda Merchant Chamber of Commerce, reiterated this decision.
Rising Violence and Arrests in Bangladesh
Violence against Hindus in Bangladesh has intensified following the arrest of Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, linked to the Sammilita Sanatani Jagaran Jote. Das was detained on November 25 in Dhaka on alleged sedition charges after a complaint accused him of disrespecting the national flag during a Hindu community rally.
The Chattogram court deferred the hearing on his bail petition to January 2, 2025, keeping him in jail until then. Chittagong Metropolitan Police’s Additional Deputy Commissioner (Prosecution) Mofizur Rahman confirmed the date change, citing the absence of the defence lawyer.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has condemned the arrest and denial of bail, describing it as a violation of minority rights. ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) reported that two monks, Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari, along with Das’s secretary, were also arrested. ISKCON Kolkata Vice President Radharaman urged the Bangladesh government to ensure the safety of Chinmoy Das’s legal advocate, following attacks on his previous lawyer.
Petition to Ban ISKCON in Bangladesh
In another development, a lawyer in Bangladesh filed a petition seeking a ban on ISKCON, labeling it a “radical organization” and accusing it of inciting sectarian violence and forcibly recruiting members from lower Hindu castes.
The petition alleges that ISKCON’s activities provoke communal unrest and impose their beliefs on traditional Hindu communities. Local media reported that this has further escalated tensions amid growing concerns over minority rights and religious freedoms in Bangladesh.
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The situation in Bangladesh remains tense, with international calls for the protection of minority communities and swift resolution of ongoing issues.
