Following the arrest of Bangladeshi Hindu leader and ISKON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu, the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKON) has called upon the Government of India for intervention in the matter. They also urged India to engage with the Bangladeshi government for his release.
About the Arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu
The recent arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu at the Dhaka Airport has sparked widespread outrage across the nation. On Monday, November 25, 2024, he was apprehended by the Dhaka Police for his alleged involvement in organizing rallies and protests, advocating the rights and safety of the Hindu community in Bangladesh.
ISKON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu, also known as Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, was apprehended at the Hazrat International Airport in Dhaka. He was then subsequently taken to the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Officer on Minto Road.
According to Swatantro Gouranga Das Brahmachari, member of the managing committee of ISKON Prabartak Sri Krishna Mandir, “Chinmoy went to the airport around 3:30 pm to catch a flight to Chattogram. From his personal assistant, I found out that some plainclothes men introducing themselves as members of the detective branch picked him up from the entrance of the airport,” he said.
The arrest has faced strong criticism, with many accusing the country’s interim government, led by Prime Minister Mohammad Yunus, of targeting Hindu leaders amidst the ongoing religious tensions in the country.
According to the Bangladeshi media, the members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) criticized and protested against the arrest of the temple’s monk. The protests reportedly took place in the major city of Chittagong against the arrest of Prabhu. The videos of the protests have been surfacing over the internet, showcasing several people injured after being attacked by unidentified people. The people were also seen switching on their mobile flashlights to protest against the arrest of their Hindu leader.
ISKCON Urges India to Intervene
In a recent development, ISKON has also strongly condemned the allegations, calling the claims of Prabhu’s involvement in terrorist activities baseless and unacceptable.
“We have come across disturbing reports that Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das, one of the prominent leaders of ISKON Bangladesh, has been detained by the Dhaka Police.” it stated.
Further, the ISKON Committee also urged the Indian government for intervention and sought his release. They also emphasized their peace-loving bhakti and no involvement in any form of terrorism.
“It is outrageous to make baseless allegations that ISKON has anything to do with terrorism anywhere in the world. ISKCON urges the Government of India to take immediate action and speak to the Bangladeshis and convey that we are a peace-loving Bhakti movement,” the temple committee further noted.
Who is Krishna Das Prabhu?
Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu is the recognized Hindu figure in Bangladesh. He is known for his advocacy for the rights and safety of Hindu communities. He is a senior monk at the ISKON and is also the spokesperson of the organization. Prabhu has been fundamental in addressing the injustice and discrimination against the Hindu community in Bangladesh. He has been raising his voice against crimes targeting Hindus and called for carrying out peaceful protests for the protection of the Hindu community, with approximately 8% of the population.
Details about Krishna Prabhu’s Arrest?
This is to be added that Krishna Das Prabhu was arrested following a case that was filed against him in October this year for allegedly disrespecting the Bangladeshi national flag during a rally in Chittagong.
On October 31, the authorities filed a case against 19 people, including Prabhu, in the case. The incident dates back to October 25. In a video of the incident, which has gone viral now, a group of people with saffron headbands can be seen putting up saffron flags near a flag that was projected as Bangladesh’s national flag at Zero Point in the New Market area of Chattogram.
Meanwhile, following his arrest on Monday, the Hindu communities are protesting, demanding legal protection of their community under the ongoing religious tensions in the nation.
Kanishka Malhotra is a seasoned journalist with a deep passion for reporting and uncovering the truth. With a specialization in research and investigative Journalism, she has covered wide range of topics related to social issues, travel, lifestyle, technology, Entertainment and much more. She believes to express and share her creativity to the world through words. With relentless pursuit of knowing and uncovering the truth, Kanishka continues to leave a mark in the world of journalism.
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