ISKCON Chinmoy Krishna Das
The arrest of Chinmay Krishna Das, a prominent leader of the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh and a senior member of ISKCON, has raised serious questions about the security and religious freedom of minorities in Bangladesh. After this arrest on Monday, there is an atmosphere of fear and anger among the Hindu community across the country. Chinmoy Krishna Das, who has always openly defended the rights of Hindus in Bangladesh, has now been accused of speaking against the government and defending the rights of minorities.
His relatives and supporters say that arresting and imprisoning him is a well-planned conspiracy by the government. The worrying thing is that his life is said to be in serious danger. The peaceful demonstration organized by the Hindu community in Shahbagh of the capital, Dhaka, against the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, turned violent by radical groups and youth associated with the ruling party. Dozens of people were injured in attacks on protesters. According to eyewitnesses, police and security forces remained mute spectators as the violent mob beat and chased away unarmed protesters. Similar protests were organized in Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar and Maulvi Bazar, but there too protesters faced violence and repression.
Threat to life and international concern
Supporters of Chinmoy Krishna Das have claimed that his life is in danger in jail. Critics of the government say this arrest is part of suppressing minority voices and intimidating them. Human rights organizations have also expressed concern that Chinmoy Krishna Das is at risk of physical and mental torture.
During the protests in Shahbag, not only the protesters were attacked, but also important institutions of the country were victims of violence. During the exams at Suhrawardy College, a violent mob damaged the college property, so the exams had to be postponed. Apart from this, the protesters demonstrated communal hatred by breaking a statue symbolizing compassion and service built in a hospital complex.
Question about the safety of minorities
This incident has become a cause of fresh concern amid the declining population of the Hindu community and growing oppression in Bangladesh. Human rights activists say these incidents are pushing Bangladesh to become an intolerant, anti-minority state.
Demand for international intervention
Following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das and the atrocities committed against the Hindu community, there is a demand for immediate intervention by the international community. Human rights organizations have called on the United Nations and other global bodies to force the Bangladesh government to protect the rights of religious minorities.
The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das and the subsequent crackdown have made it clear that the situation of religious minorities in Bangladesh has become very serious. If this situation is not addressed immediately, this violence and repression can put the country in serious trouble. Ensuring the safety of Chinmoy Krishna Das and protecting the rights of minorities is now a huge responsibility for both Bangladesh and the international community.
