2 hours ago
Last Updated:November 26, 2024, 21:24 IST
Bangladesh’s interim government and its external affairs ministry also reacted to the Indian counterpart’s statement on the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das.
Prominent Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das had recently raised concerns about the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh following a regime change. (IMAGE: X)
The Bangladesh interim government expressed concern over a recent statement issued by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs regarding the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu monk charged with sedition by a court in Bangladesh’s Chittagong.
Chinmoy Krishna Das currently remains in jail after a Chittagong court rejected his bail plea. He was arrested by Bangladesh detective bureau sleuths at Dhaka’s Shah Jalal Airport while boarding a flight to Chittagong.
The Bangladesh foreign ministry said 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 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 also does not reflect the harmony that exists among the peoples of all faiths and the commitment and the efforts of the government and the people in this regard," the Bangladeshi foreign ministry said.
The Bangladeshi interim government was referring to the statement issued by the Indian external affairs ministry on the arrest of the Hindu leader.
India on Tuesday noted with “deep concern" the arrest and denial of bail to Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh, and urged authorities there to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities.
Bangladesh police on Monday arrested Das, the leader of the Hindu group, Sammilita Sanatani Jote.
In a statement, the MEA said it has noted with “deep concern the arrest and denial of bail" to 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," it said.
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 flagged.
“It is unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, charges should be pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings," the statement said.
The MEA also noted with concern the attacks on minorities protesting peacefully against the arrest of Das.
Referring to last month’s peaceful Durga Puja celebrations, Bangladesh highlighted its dedication to safeguarding religious practices and rituals for all communities.
The government assured that the judiciary in Bangladesh is fully independent and handles cases without external influence.
Bangladesh also condemned the killing of Advocate Saiful Islam Alif in Chattogram earlier today. Authorities have heightened security in the city to maintain peace and religious harmony.
On Tuesday, supporters angry that bail was denied, protested before a court in Chittagong.
Security forces lobbed stun grenades and launched baton charges to break the crowd, and Chinmoy Krishna Das was eventually taken to prison in a police pickup truck.
Nurul Alam, a police inspector posted at Chittagong Medical College Hospital, said a public prosecutor had been killed, identifying him as Saiful Islam Alif, a Muslim.
“He had deep injuries on his head", said hospital director Taslim Uddin.
Location :Dhaka, Bangladesh
First Published:November 26, 2024, 20:50 IST
News world ‘Committed To Upholding Communal Harmony, Arrest Of Krishna Das Misconstrued’: Bangladesh Govt
