NEW DELHI: The Centre for Democracy, Pluralism, and Human Rights (CDPHR) on Tuesday, November 26 strongly condemns the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari by Bangladeshi authorities.
“The CDPHR strongly condemns the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a revered ISKCON monk and vocal advocate for the rights and dignity of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh,” read a press release issued by the right body on Tuesday.
“Detained by the Detective Branch of Bangladesh Police at Dhaka Airport on November 25, 2024, his arrest raises serious concerns about the safety of minority voices in the current political climate of Bangladesh,” added the release.
It further said that “Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari has been a pivotal figure in highlighting the persecution of Hindu minorities, advocating for justice amidst escalating violence following the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. He has consistently spoken out against attacks on temples, homes, and businesses of religious minorities. The sedition charges levied against him appear to be a deliberate attempt to silence his legitimate activism, marking an alarming deterioration of democratic and pluralistic values in Bangladesh.”
“The current military-backed interim government led by Mohammad Yunus has shown a troubling inability to curb violence against minorities, enabling an atmosphere of fear and repression. The Hindu community, which constitutes approximately 8 percent of Bangladesh’s population, faces growing threats to its survival and dignity under the regime’s apparent appeasement of radical elements, it added.
The CDPHR further calls upon the Government of Bangladesh to immediately release Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari and ensure his safety along upholding democratic principles and the rule of law by ceasing the misuse of sedition laws against peaceful activists. It further urges the government to address the broader concerns of minority protection and religious harmony.
“We urge international human rights organizations, civil society and media to take swift and decisive action to ensure justice for Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari and to safeguard the fundamental rights of minorities in Bangladesh. Furthermore, we urge the Indian government to address this matter with the relevant Bangladeshi authorities through appropriate diplomatic channels, emphasizing the urgent need for action,” read the statement further.
“The arrest of a leader advocating for non-violence and inclusivity not only jeopardizes his personal freedom but also endangers the principles of justice and equality. This is a critical moment for Bangladesh to reflect on its commitment to pluralism and for the international community to reaffirm its dedication to human rights,” it added.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement issued on Tuesday also urge the Bangladeshi government to ensure safety of Hindus and other 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”, read the statement.
“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. We also note with concern the attacks on minorities protesting peacefully against the arrest of Das. 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,” it added.
Chinmoy Krishna Das who has been at the forefront of the recent peaceful protest by the minority Hindus seeking justice and protection from the authorities against the persecution of the community in Bangladesh was arrested on Monday. He was subsequently produced before a Chittagong court on Tuesday that refused to entertain his bail plea and sent him to custody.
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