The Indian government has expressed its concern over the escalating tensions and rising violence in Bangladesh, urging the nation’s interim government to take responsibility for protecting all minority groups.
In response to the questions in Lok Sabha about violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, S Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs in India, said that the Indian High Commission in Dhaka has been closely working to monitor the situation in Bangladesh. He also stated that the primary responsibility of people in Bangladesh lies with the interim government.
On November 29, 2024, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s concern on the issue. He also highlighted the increasing stances of threats and attacks against Hindu communities and other minorities in the nation.
“Our position on the matter is clear—the interim government in Dhaka must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities. We are concerned at the surge of extremist rhetoric and increasing incidents of violence and provocation. These developments cannot be dismissed only as media exaggeration,” he stated.
Further, the Ministry of External Affairs also called for a fair and transparent legal process in the case of the arrest of Iskon monk, Chinmoy Krishna Das, on sedition charges.
About the Arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das
Chinmoy Krishna Das, an Iskon monk and a prominent figure in Bangladesh, was arrested at the Dhaka Airport on Monday, November 25, 2024. He has been arrested on the charges of sedition. Meanwhile, his arrest triggered widespread outrage and clashes across Dhaka and Chittagong.
He has been arrested for allegedly disrespecting the national flag while attending a rally in Chittagong. The video of the incident went viral over the internet on October 31, 2024, showing people wearing saffron headbands, putting up saffron flags, and projecting it as a national flag in Chittagong.
Recent Developments in the Matter
Meanwhile, in a recent development, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness has urged India to intervene in the matter while calling the Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das’s arrest a political conspiracy. They also sought help from the Indian government for the release of their Hindu leader.
“We have come across disturbing reports that alleged that Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das, one of the prominent leaders of ISKCON Bangladesh, has been arrested by the Dhaka Police,” the organization stated.
“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,” ISKCON temple noted.
Further, a plea was also filed with the High Court of Bangladesh on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, to impose a ban on ISKON. The plea has come amid the rising attacks and protests over the Hindu minorities. The Hindu minorities reportedly engaged in a clash with security forces, resulting in the death of one lawyer outside Chittagong court. 21 others were also detained for vandalism and conducting violence.
India’s Reaction to the Ban of ISKCON in Bangladesh
Amid the calls for a crackdown on ISKON in Bangladesh, India has backed the organization, “A globally well-regarded organization with a strong record of social service,” said the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs in India. He also appealed to Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Prime Minister Mohammad Yunus, for ensuring legal proceedings in the matter.
Bangladesh High Court Rejects Plea to Step Down ISKON
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh High Court has recently rejected the appeal to issue a suo moto ban on the temple’s activities in the country. However, the court has said that it would not issue a suo moto order to prohibit activities, following receiving assurances that the government has taken appropriate steps in addressing the matter.
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