Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, the spokesperson for Bangladesh’s Sanatan Jagaran Manch and the head of Pundarik Dham in Chattogram, has been sent to jail on charges of sedition. His detention followed an arrest by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police near the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. This development sparked protests in Chattogram demanding his release.
Who is Chinmoy Krishna Das?
Chinmoy Krishna Das serves as the spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sommilito Sanatan Jagaran Jot, a coalition comprising two religious bodies: the Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Manch and the Bangladesh Sommilito Shankhaloghu Jot. These organizations advocate for the rights of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. Additionally, he is the head of Pundarik Dham in Hathazari thana, approximately 18 kilometers from Chittagong city.
Charges against Chinmoy Krishna Das
On October 30, a case was filed against Chinmoy and 18 others at Chattogram’s Kotwali Police Station. The charges accuse them of disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag during a Hindu community rally in Chattogram’s New Market area. Following his arrest, Chinmoy’s legal team sought bail, but the court rejected their petition. Additional Police Commissioner of the DB, Rezaul Karim Mallik, confirmed his transfer to jail.
Outspoken advocate for Hindu rights
Chinmoy Krishna Das has been an outspoken advocate for Hindu rights in Bangladesh and has criticized hate attacks and religious discrimination against minorities. He also faces allegations related to leading a rally in Chattogram in October, where he is accused of disrespecting the national flag. Dhaka police spokesperson Talebur Rahman confirmed his arrest but did not provide details about the charges.
Reaction from India’s Ministry of External Affairs
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed “deep concern” over the denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das. In a statement, the MEA noted:
“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 businesses, as well as theft, vandalism, and desecration of deities and temples. 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 Shri Das.”
Our statement on the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das:https://t.co/HbaFUPWds0 pic.twitter.com/cdgSx6iUQb
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) November 26, 2024
The MEA urged the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and other minorities, emphasizing their right to peaceful assembly and expression.
ISKCON condemns the arrest
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) strongly condemned the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), ISKCON referred to the allegations against him as baseless, asserting that ISKCON is a “peace-loving Bhakti movement.” The organization called on the Indian government to intervene, urging diplomatic communication with Bangladesh to resolve the matter.
“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,” ISKCON stated.
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.…
— Iskcon,Inc. (@IskconInc) November 25, 2024
ISKCON also reiterated its peaceful nature and urged immediate action by the Indian government to ensure justice for the priest.
Read More: Fresh Protests Rock Bangladesh As Hindu Leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Sent To Jail
