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Who is Chinmoy Krishna Das and Why Was the Hindu Priest Arrested by Bangladesh?

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Who is Chinmoy Krishna Das and Why Was the Hindu Priest Arrested by Bangladesh?

Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a prominent Hindu leader in Bangladesh, was arrested on sedition charges, sparking protests and international condemnation. The incident highlighted ongoing religious tensions and the treatment of minorities in the country.

Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson of Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Manch and president of Pundarik Dham in Chattogram, was sent to jail on charges of sedition. His detention followed an arrest by Dhaka Metropolitan Police Detective Branch (DB) near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. This development led to protests in Chattogram demanding his release.

Who is Chinmoy Krishna Das?

Chinmoy Krishna Das serves as the spokesperson of Bangladesh Sommilito Sanatan Jagaran Jot, a coalition of two religious institutions: Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Manch and Bangladesh Sommilito Shankhaloghu Jot. These organizations advocate for the rights of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. He is also the head of Pundarik Dham in Hathazari thana, about 18 kilometers from Chittagong city.

Accusations against Chinmoy Krishna Das

On October 30, a case was registered against Chinmoy and 18 others at Chattogram’s Kotwali Police Station. The charges accuse them of disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag during a Hindu community rally in Chattogram’s New Market area. Following his arrest, Chinmoy’s legal team sought bail, but the court rejected their petition. DB Additional Commissioner of Police Rezaul Karim Mallik confirmed his transfer to jail.

outspoken advocate of Hindu rights

Chinmoy Krishna Das has been an outspoken advocate for Hindu rights in Bangladesh and has criticized hate attacks and religious discrimination against minorities. He is also facing allegations that he led a rally in Chattogram in October, accused of disrespecting the national flag. Dhaka police spokesman Talebur Rahman confirmed his arrest but did not provide details about the charges.

Reaction from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of India

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed “deep concern” over the denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das. MEA stated the following in its statement:

“This incident comes in the wake of multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There are several documented cases of arson and looting of homes and businesses of minorities, as well as theft, vandalism, and desecration of deities and temples. It is unfortunate that charges are being brought against a religious leader who is making legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings, while the perpetrators of these events have still not been caught. “We also note with concern the attacks on minorities who were peacefully protesting the arrest of Shri Das.”

MEA urged Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and other minorities by emphasizing their rights to peaceful assembly and expression.

ISKCON condemns the arrest

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) strongly condemned the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das. In its statement on X (formerly known as Twitter), ISKCON stated that the allegations against it were unfounded and claimed that ISKCON was a “peaceful Bhakti movement”. The organization called on the Indian government to intervene and called for diplomatic communication with Bangladesh to resolve the issue.

“We have come across disturbing news that Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent leader of ISKCON Bangladesh, has been detained by Dhaka police. “It is outrageous to make false claims anywhere in the world that ISKCON is involved in terrorism,” ISKCON said.

ISKCON also reiterated its peaceful nature and called on the Indian government to take immediate action to ensure justice for the priest.

Read more: New Protests Rock Bangladesh as Hindu Leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Sent to Jail

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