The Asiapost News

The arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari has ignited a significant upheaval within Bangladesh’s political and social spheres, drawing international criticism and underscoring the rising tensions prevalent under the current interim government.

Protests marked by violence persisted for a second consecutive day throughout Bangladesh, while in India, various political factions demonstrated in Calcutta and Agartala. During the winter session of Parliament, a Union minister addressed the deputy leader of the Opposition.

A legal case was initiated against Das and 18 other individuals on October 30 at the Kotwali Police Station in Chattogram, following a complaint lodged by a leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), associated with former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The complaint alleges that they exhibited disrespect towards the national flag during a rally held by the Hindu community at Laldighi Maidan on October 25.

The individual was taken into custody at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. Authorities detained Das, a representative of the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, while he was en route to Chattogram to participate in a rally.

The demonstrations in Chattogram regarding Das’s detention escalated into violence, resulting in the tragic death of assistant public prosecutor Saiful Islam. The confrontations involving Das’s supporters and security forces intensified, resulting in Islam sustaining critical injuries and subsequently being declared deceased at a medical facility.
Authorities have apprehended a minimum of 30 individuals believed to be linked to the recent acts of violence.

Hasan Mahmud, the former Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, currently in exile, has articulated a dark portrayal of his native land.

“The intertwining strategies of promoting anti-India sentiments while empowering fundamentalist and terrorist factions have plunged Bangladesh into a state of complete chaos,” Mahmud asserted. He attributed the rise of ‘mobocracy’ in place of democracy to the interim government, under the leadership of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.

“Following the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, extremist factions, such as Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, have intensified their activities,” he noted, highlighting concerns regarding a deteriorating situation for the Hindu community in the nation. 

The general secretary of ISKCON Bangladesh, Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari, condemned the arrest and the violence against Hindus that followed. “We vehemently condemn and voice our grave concerns regarding Chinmoy Krishna Das’ recent imprisonment… He called on authorities to support “peaceful coexistence” for the Hindu community and denounced the violence and attacks that have since been directed towards Sanatanis in different parts of Bangladesh.

Indian political parties and officials have weighed in on the crisis in Bangladesh, which has resonated across the border on Wednesday. Giriraj Singh, a union minister, called on the UN to step in. Fundamentalists have their sights set on Bangladesh’s acting “prime minister.” In the Parliament complex, Singh declared, “The manner in which Hindus are being attacked is against humanity.”

“Deep concern at the atmosphere of insecurity being faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh” was the Congress party’s position.

“The news of the arrest of the saint of ISKCON Temple in Bangladesh and the ongoing violence against minority Hindus are extremely worrying,” Congress lawmaker Priyanka Gandhi said. In order to ensure the protection of minorities before the Bangladeshi government, I implore the Central Government to step in and take action.

“We are very concerned about what is happening in Bangladesh,” stated Gaurav Gogoi, a Jorhat MP and the deputy leader of the opposition. The chairperson of ISKCON was detained a few days ago, and his followers were attacked. Where is PM Narendra Modi, the “Vishwaguru,” I wonder? Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where are you? Why, in spite of PM Modi’s leadership, is the situation in Bangladesh unstable? PM Modi is attempting to bring Israel and Palestine and Russia and Ukraine together. However, India’s standing in the neighborhood has been eroding ever since PM Modi took office. Regarding Bangladesh, PM Modi says nothing. India ought to adopt a strong stance, but that isn’t happening.

The party’s Media and Publicity Department chairman, Pawan Khera, urged the Indian government to press for the security and safety of minorities in the neighboring nation.

“The Indian National Congress anticipates that the Indian government will exert pressure on the government of Bangladesh to take the required actions and guarantee the safety of minorities’ lives and property within the nation.” “Khera said.”

Under the leadership of the opposition leader, the BJP staged a rally in Calcutta to address the Bangladesh High Commission. Adhikari Suvendu. A rally was also held by the Congress’s state unit.

Threats against ISKCON monks and other Hindu religious organizations have been increasing in Bangladesh, according to Radharaman Das, a spokesman for ISKCON Calcutta. “The situation is concerning,” he stated, adding that they have requested assistance from India’s Home Ministry and Ministry of External Affairs.

Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha, a Congress MLA in Assam, has also raised the issue and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to step in diplomatically. Purkayastha noted, “His arrest on false charges has sparked grave concerns about the persecution of religious leaders who criticize the oppression and injustice experienced by Hindus and other minorities in the neighboring country.” 

Popular actor and Andhra Pradesh deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan called on Muhammad Yunus to act and asked everyone to denounce Das’s imprisonment. “We urge and plead Bangladesh Govt under Mohammed Yunus to stop atrocities on Hindus,” Kalyan said in a post on X. 

The protection of Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh is a major priority that the US State Department discusses in diplomatic talks with the Bangladeshi government, the department had previously stated on November 6. 

There have been concerns that the 13 million Hindus in Bangladesh may be persecuted by the newly established interim administration since Sheikh Hasina was overthrown on August 5. Minorities in the nation were said to be safer under Hasina, who was seen as being close to India.