Bangladesh has responded to India's statement regarding the arrest of Hindu priest and former ISKCON member Chinmoy Krishan Das. The Bangladeshi government issued a statement on Tuesday, expressing that the arrest has been misconstrued by some quarters. They further stated that India's statement is baseless and contrary to the spirit of friendship. The foreign ministry noted, 'Bangladesh's attention has been drawn to a statement issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs to the media on November 26, 2024, concerning Bangladesh's internal matters.'
The Arrest of Chinmoy Das Misunderstood
The Bangladesh foreign ministry further elaborated, 'With profound disappointment and anguish, we mention that the arrest of Chinmoy Krishan Das has been misunderstood. He has been arrested on various allegations. Such unfounded statements not only misrepresent facts but also contradict the spirit of friendship and mutual understanding between our two neighboring countries.'
During his travel from Dhaka to Chattogram on Monday, Chinmoy Krishan Das was reportedly arrested by some officers in civil dress on charges of sedition, who identified themselves as detectives of the Bangladesh Police. The Bangladesh foreign ministry highlighted that, 'India's statement does not reflect the harmony shared among people of all religions in Bangladesh, nor the efforts of the government and its citizens in this regard.'
Safeguarding Minorities Is Our Duty: Bangladesh
In its statement, Bangladesh asserted, 'The statement from India completely overlooks Bangladesh's commitment to ending impunity for those who commit human rights violations. In our country, religious majorities and minorities are treated equally. Every Bangladeshi, irrespective of their religious identity, has the full right to practice their rituals and express their beliefs without any hindrance.'
Ensuring the safety of citizens, especially religious minorities, is Bangladesh's responsibility, the statement emphasized. The peaceful conduct of Durga Puja across Bangladesh last month reiterates this. Bangladesh would like to reaffirm that its judiciary is entirely independent, and the government does not interfere in its proceedings. The pending case against Chinmoy Krishan Das is currently being handled by the court. The government remains committed to maintaining communal harmony across the country. Expressing concern over the brutal murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif in Chattogram, Bangladesh's authorities have been directed to maintain religious harmony at all costs, with increased security in the city.
India’s Concerns on the Arrest of Chinmoy Das
On Tuesday, India's Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern over the arrest and denial of bail for Chinmoy Krishan Das in Bangladesh. This case emerges amidst recurring targeting of Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There have been incidents of arson, looting, and desecration of Hindu temples, alongside theft and vandalism of minority homes and businesses.
The Indian foreign ministry described it as unfortunate that, instead of targeting perpetrators against Hindu minorities, a Hindu priest is being charged with sedition for his peaceful gatherings and legitimate demands. India expressed concern over the attacks on peaceful Hindu minority protests against Chinmoy Krishan Das's arrest and urged Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety of Hindus and all minorities, including the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
