New Delhi:
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday condemned the arrest and denial of bail to Hindu religious leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu and urged the Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety of Hindus, a religious minority in the country.
MEA’s strong remark came after Prabhu, who led multiple protests over atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, was arrested by the Dhaka Police’s Detective Branch on November 25 at Dhaka airport.
“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,” said the MEA in an official statement.
The ministry underscored that the arrest of Prabhu follows incidents related to 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.
The ministry further expressed concerns over the attacks on the religious minority group members protesting peacefully for the release of Prabhu.
Prabhu was associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) for many years and has served as the society’s spokesperson. On several occasions, Prabhu raised his voice against the acts of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, calling out the practice of religious discrimination.
Prabhu Charged With Sedition
A court on Tuesday denied bail to Prabhu, known as a prominent leader of the Hindu group Sammilita Sanatani Jote, and upheld the sedition case filed against him allegedly over his outspoken stance on minority rights in the country.
Massive protests broke out in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh, demanding Prabhu’s immediate release. Visuals from Bangladesh showed multiple protests being held in Dhaka and Chittagong. Members of the Hindu community also protested in Shahbagh against the Hindu monk’s arrest.
“We will not do anything that will ruin the peace. Keep your emotions in control. Peace is our only way forward,” said the Hindu Monk after being sent to judicial custody.
According to sources, Prabhu’s lawyer representing him in the court has filed a review petition to secure his bail, claiming that charges against him are ‘falsely’ framed.
ISKCON Calls Charges ‘Baseless’
The ISKCON temple authorities, which earlier urged the Indian government to intervene and speak to the Government of Bangladesh regarding the matter, said that “ISKCON has nothing to do with terrorism anywhere in the world”.
Terming the allegations against Prabhu as “baseless”, the temple authorities said, “We have come across disturbing reports that Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das, one of the prominent leaders of ISKCON Bangladesh, has been detained by the Dhaka police. It is outrageous to make baseless allegations that ISKCON has anything to do with terrorism anywhere in the world.”
The temple further demanded the Bangladesh government to immediately release its leader and stated that they are a peace-loving Bhakti movement
