India reacts to Hindu monk's arrest in Bangladesh, calls for action

The Indian government on Tuesday raised concerns over the arrest and denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent Bangladeshi Hindu monk and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. His detention has drawn international attention amidst growing fears for minority safety in Bangladesh.  

Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on charges of sedition after a rally in October, during which he was accused of disrespecting the Bangladeshi national flag. Bangladeshi media reported that a saffron flag raised higher than the national flag at the rally led to the charges. Das's bail application was recently rejected by the Chittagong Metropolitan Magistrate Court, and he has been sent to judicial custody with assurances of religious privileges.  

The arrest has sparked protests among Hindu groups in Bangladesh and condemnation from India. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs expressed "deep concern" over the arrest and called on Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and other minorities. "We urge the government of Bangladesh to safeguard the rights of minorities, including their right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression," the statement added.  

Das, who serves as the President of Pundarik Dham in Bangladesh, has been a vocal figure in advocating for Hindu rights. He organized rallies to protest attacks on Hindus, which he described as "atrocities against fellow devotees." However, his arrest has highlighted broader issues of minority persecution, with reports of vandalism, arson, and desecration of religious sites targeting minority communities in Bangladesh.  

ISKCON Vice President Radha Ramn Das spoke to the media, refuting claims of flag desecration. He described Chinmoy Krishna Das as the "face of Hindu protests against attacks on minorities" and criticized the Bangladeshi authorities for interpreting the flag's placement as disrespect. He also revealed that Das was taken into custody by men in plain clothes while traveling to Chittagong.  

The Indian government has also expressed concern about the attacks on minority groups who protested Das's arrest. They emphasized the need for Bangladesh to act against the perpetrators of violence rather than prosecuting individuals like Das, who peacefully voice their concerns.  

The developments have drawn significant international attention to the plight of minorities in Bangladesh, with India reiterating its commitment to ensuring the safety of Hindus and other vulnerable groups in the neighboring country.