Bangladesh rejects India's remarks on Hindu leader Chinmoy Das' arrest
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Bangladesh on Tuesday dismissed India’s concerns regarding the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, terming them as “misconstrued and unfounded.” The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted that the matter was an internal affair and criticized India’s remarks for misrepresenting facts.
Earlier on Tuesday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern over Das being denied bail, urging Dhaka to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and other minorities, including their right to peaceful assembly and expression.
Bangladesh’s foreign ministry responded, saying, “Such unfounded statements not only misrepresent facts but also stand contrary to the spirit of friendship and understanding between the two neighboring countries.”
Das, the spokesperson of Sammilita Sanatani Jote, an organization advocating for the rights of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, was arrested in connection with a sedition case linked to a rally held on October 25 in Chittagong. According to reports, the rally was organized to address issues faced by the Hindu community.
India’s foreign ministry remarked that Das’s arrest came after “multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh.” It added that it was “unfortunate” that a religious leader presenting “legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings” was arrested, while the perpetrators of such incidents remain free. The ministry also raised concerns over attacks on minorities protesting against Das’s detention.
In its response, Bangladesh emphasized that its government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, including religious minorities. “Ensuring safety and security of all citizens, particularly the members of religious minorities, remains a duty of the government of Bangladesh,” the ministry stated, highlighting the peaceful observance of Durga Puja as evidence of its efforts.
The ministry also stressed that the judiciary in Bangladesh operates independently and that the interim government does not interfere in judicial matters.
Das, a former leader of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), was described by ISKCON as a prominent advocate for Hindu rights. The organization called his arrest “disturbing” and denied allegations linking ISKCON to terrorism, urging Bangladesh to release him immediately.
Following the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government in August, incidents of violence against religious minorities were reported in parts of Bangladesh. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier urged Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh’s interim government, to ensure the safety of Hindus and other minorities. Yunus, however, stated that such reports were exaggerated.
