India on Monday expressed serious concerns over the arrest and denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent Hindu leader and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote, and called on the interim government in Dhaka to ensure the safety of its Hindu minority community.
“We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das. This incident follows multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs said in statement.
The ministry pointed to documented cases of arson, looting, vandalism, and desecration of temples, describing it as “unfortunate” that while perpetrators remain at large, charges are being brought against a religious leader involved in peaceful gatherings in Bangladesh.
The MEA also criticized attacks on minority groups protesting against Das’s arrest, urging Bangladeshi authorities to uphold the rights of peaceful assembly and expression for all minorities.
Chinmoy Krishna Das, a senior ISKCON priest, was arrested on Monday evening by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka police at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The arrest stems from a case filed on October 31, accusing Das and 18 others of disrespecting the Bangladeshi flag during a Hindu community rally in Chattogram on October 25.
The complaint was lodged by Firoz Khan, a local leader of the opposition BNP party, who claimed that saffron flags were placed over the Bangladeshi flag at the Shadhinata Sthombho (Independence Pillar) in Chattogram’s New Market area. However, Khan was expelled from the BNP the very next day for “anti-party” activities, raising questions about the motives behind the accusation.
Das was transported to Chattogram under tight security and produced before the Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday morning. The court, presided over by Judge Kazi Shariful Islam, rejected his bail plea and ordered his detention. Das was granted division status in jail, allowing him certain privileges, including meals aligned with his religious beliefs.
Tight Security At Court
The Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) deployed extensive security measures during Das’s court appearance. Police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Armed Police Battalion (APBn) personnel were stationed to prevent unrest. “We ensured strict security to prevent any untoward incidents,” said Additional Deputy Commissioner (Prosecution) AAM Humayun Kabir.
The arrest triggered protests among Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. Demonstrators decried the charges as an attempt to silence minority voices, and advocacy groups have called for Das’s immediate release. Reports of attacks on peaceful protesters have further heightened tensions.
The arrest comes amidst demands by Islamist leaders including editors of some newspapers in Bangladesh that ISKCON be designated as a terrorist outfit and banned in Bangladesh.
