There is an uproar in Bangladesh over the arrest of Hindu priest and former ISKCON chief Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari. India also reacted strongly, to which Bangladesh responded. Meanwhile, Asif Mahmood Shojib Bhuiyan, adviser to the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Bangladesh’s interim government of Mohammad Yunus, has said that Chinmoy Das has been arrested not as a leader of the Hindu community but on charges of treason.
At an event on Tuesday, Asif Mahmood said: ‘The government will take strict action against any act of treason that threatens the sovereignty and independence of Bangladesh. We want to make it clear that no person involved in such activities, no matter who the leader is, will be spared.
Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, there have been reports of atrocities against minorities, including Hindus, in Bangladesh. Hindus and their religious places are in the spotlight. Chinmoy Krishna Das has been working to raise his voice against the atrocities being committed against Hindus and unite them. Meanwhile he was arrested.
On the arrest, Asif Mahmood said that the law acts not on the basis of communal interests but national security.
India’s strong reaction to Chinmoy Krishna Das’ arrest
Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested at Dhaka airport on Monday. After his arrest, there was great anger among Bangladeshi Hindus and protests took place in many places.
India also issued a statement on Tuesday about Das’ arrest, saying: “It is unfortunate that a charge of treason has been filed against a Hindu priest who raised legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings, instead of criminals who used to attack minorities. Hindus.” We also expressed concern over the attacks on Hindu minorities who were peacefully protesting against the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das. We urge the Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety of Hindus and all minorities.
‘India’s statement is contrary to the spirit of friendship…’
Following this statement from India, Bangladesh also issued a statement saying that a wrong meaning had been given to the arrest of Chinmay Das in some circles. The statement said India’s statement is baseless and contrary to the spirit of friendship.
A statement issued by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: ‘We say with extreme disappointment and deep pain that the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das has been misinterpreted in some quarters. Chinmoy Krishna Das has been arrested on different charges. The Government of Bangladesh believes that such unfounded statements not only misrepresent the facts but are also contrary to the spirit of friendship and mutual understanding between the two neighboring countries.
The ministry had further said, “India’s statement does not reflect the harmony and compromise that exists among people of all religions in Bangladesh and the efforts of the government and people in this regard.”
