As India hit out at Bangladesh for the arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, Dhaka reaffirmed its commitment to communal harmony, and said that it is dedicated to protecting all citizens, regardless of religious identity.
Bangladesh’s ministry of foreign in a statement said that Das was arrested on “specific charges” and dismissed allegations of religious discrimination.
It criticised statements and reactions surrounding the arrest of Das, calling them “misconstrued” and harmful to the spirit of friendship between Dhaka and New Delhi.
“It is with utter dismay and deep sense of hurt that the Government of Bangladesh notes that the arrest of Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das has been misconstrued by certain quarters since Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das has been arrested on specific charges,” the ministry said.
“The Government of Bangladesh maintains that such unfounded statements not only misrepresent facts but also stand contrary to the spirit of friendship and understanding between the two neighboring countries,” the statement added.
The priest’s detention has sparked significant backlash, with thousands of his followers staging protests in Chattogram. Demonstrators blocked prison vehicles and called for his immediate release after his bail plea was denied, leading to the death of a lawyer.
Bangladesh reiterated its commitment to communal harmony, citing the peaceful Durga Puja celebrations last month as evidence.
“Bangladesh reaffirms in the strongest terms that every Bangladeshi, regardless of his or her religious identity, has the right to establish, maintain or perform respective religious rituals and practices or express views without hindrance,” the statement said.
Yunus condemns killing of lawyer
Chief adviser to the interim government of Bangladesh Muhammad Yunus, in a separate statement condemned the murder of lawyer during the protest in Chattogram and announced an investigation. “The Interim Government is committed to ensuring and upholding communal harmony in Bangladesh at any cost,” Yunus said in a statement.
Yunus also urged citizens to “keep calm” and ordered heightened security in vulnerable areas.
“He has urged people to keep calm and stay away from participating in any untoward activities. He has also ordered law enforcement agencies to step up security in the port city, including in all the vulnerable neighbourhoods,” the statement said.
India voices concerns over Das’ arrest
Earlier today, India had expressed “deep concern” over the arrest and denial of bail to Das , and urged the authorities to ensure the safety of Hindus and all minorities.
“We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities’ homes and business establishments, as well as theft and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples,” the MEA said in a statement.
“We urge Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression,” the statement said.
The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das has drawn international and local condemnation. The Bangladesh Hindu Bouddha Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC), the country’s largest minority group, expressed concerns over the government’s actions. “This arrest tarnishes Bangladesh’s global image on freedom of expression and human rights,” remarked Manindra Kumar Nath, Acting General Secretary of BHBCUC.
ISKCON Kolkata’s Vice President, Radharaman Das, also weighed in, calling the arrest “unfortunate.” He described Chinmoy Krishna Das as “the face of the protest” against the violence and discrimination faced by minorities in Bangladesh.