Indian foreign ministry expresses 'deep concern' over ex-Iskcon Bangladesh leader Chinmoy's arrest
Following the denial of bail to former ISKCON Bangladesh leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari by a Chattogram court, India's Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement today (26 November) terming the matter a cause for deep concern and urging Bangladesh to protect Hindus and other minorities.
"We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatan Jagran Jote. This incident follows multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh...We urge Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression," the statement said.
On 25 October, Chinmoy was accused in a sedition case for allegedly disrespecting Bangladesh's national flag by hoisting a saffron flag above it at a rally organised by the Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha in Chattogram.
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Eighteen others were also accused in the case filed by BNP leader Firoz Khan, who was subsequently expelled from the party, soon after the event.
Recently, the Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha and the Bangladesh Sammilita Sankhalaghu Jote joined forces and started organising events under a new coalition named Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote. Chinmoy was made its spokesperson.
Meanwhile, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Bangladesh has recently expelled Chinmoy, also known as Krishna Prabhu Das, who was its spokesperson.
Following his arrest yesterday, BJP's West Bengal opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari said they will hold protests in front of the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata condemning the arrest.
He also threatened to block the Bangladesh-India border with flags if Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was not released.
Earlier this month during an interview with The Hindu, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus addressed Indian media's reports over the rise of radicalism in Bangladesh and lack of safety for minorities, terming it "propaganda".
