Arrest of Hindu Leader Sparks Protests in Bangladesh

India on Tuesday expressed strong concern over the arrest of Hindu priest and ISKCON member Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who also serves as the spokesperson for Bangladesh’s Sammilita Sanatan Jagran Jote.”

The statement highlighted a worrying trend of violence against minorities in Bangladesh. “This incident comes after multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements. Documented cases include arson, looting, theft, vandalism, and the desecration of deities and temples,” it noted.

India criticized the detention of a religious leader engaging in peaceful protests, adding, “It is unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these incidents remain free, charges have been pressed against a leader presenting legitimate demands.”

The MEA also expressed concern over attacks on minorities who protested peacefully against Das’s arrest and urged Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety, security, and rights of Hindus and other minorities, including their freedom of peaceful assembly and expression.

Bangladesh Court Denies Bail to Hindu Leader

A court in Chattogram on Tuesday ordered Krishna Das to be jailed after rejecting his bail plea. The Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate, Kazi Shariful Islam, issued the order.

Protests erupted at the court premises as followers of Das chanted slogans against the denial of bail.

Das, a prominent leader of Sammilita Sanatani Jote, was arrested by police on Monday near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. Authorities have not disclosed specific charges but cited a request from regular police for the detention.

Local reports stated that Das was among 19 individuals named in a case filed on October 30 at Chattogram’s Kotwali Police Station. The charges accused them of disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag during a Hindu community rally in Chattogram’s New Market area.