India has expressed serious concern over the rising violence and extremism in Bangladesh, particularly targeting minority communities. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged the interim government in Dhaka to uphold its responsibility to protect all minorities, stressing the need for immediate action to address the growing threats against Hindus and other religious minorities.

At a media briefing on Friday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded to questions about the escalating situation in Bangladesh, which has seen a surge in extremist rhetoric and incidents of violence. “We are concerned about the surge of extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence and provocation. These developments cannot be dismissed only as media exaggerations,” Jaiswal said, underlining that these issues are serious and require urgent attention.

India’s reaction comes on the heels of increasing tensions in Bangladesh, particularly regarding the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was charged with sedition. Das, a prominent figure of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), was arrested for allegedly hoisting a saffron flag above the national flag in Chittagong on October 25. His arrest has sparked protests across the country, with supporters demanding his release and condemning the charges.

India’s Consistent Concern Over Attacks on Minorities

India has consistently raised its concerns with Bangladesh regarding the rising incidents of violence against religious minorities. Jaiswal emphasized that India has strongly conveyed its position to the Bangladesh government about the targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities. “Our position on the matter is clear — the interim government must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities,” he said, adding that Bangladesh must take all necessary steps to safeguard these communities.

The situation has worsened with protests organized by groups like Hefazat-e-Islam, who are calling for a ban on ISKCON and supporting the sedition charges against Chinmoy Krishna Das. On Friday, protestors gathered outside Dhaka’s Baitul Mukarram Mosque, raising slogans and demanding action against ISKCON. Police had to be deployed to maintain order as protests continued in various parts of Bangladesh. The unrest escalated earlier this week, when a lawyer was killed during clashes between police and alleged followers of Chinmoy Krishna Das in the Chattogram Court Building area on November 27. While ISKCON Bangladesh has denied any link to the violence, protests have continued to intensify.

India’s Call for a Fair Legal Process

Regarding Chinmoy Krishna Das’s arrest, India has noted that legal processes are underway in Bangladesh. Jaiswal stressed that India expects these processes to be carried out in a fair, just, and transparent manner, ensuring the legal rights of all individuals are respected. “We hope and expect that these processes will be dealt with in a just, fair, and transparent manner, ensuring full respect for the legal rights of all concerned,” Jaiswal stated.

India has also expressed concern over the larger implications of this case, as it highlights the vulnerabilities faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh. While Jaiswal did not directly comment on the specific charges against Das, he reiterated that India stands by its long-standing position of advocating for the protection of religious freedoms and the safety of minority communities in Bangladesh.

ISKCON’s Support for Chinmoy Krishna Das

ISKCON, the religious organization to which Chinmoy Krishna Das belongs, has publicly expressed its solidarity with the arrested monk. The organization has condemned the charges of sedition and has called for his immediate release. ISKCON’s global leadership, including its headquarters in the United States, issued a statement saying, “ISKCON, Inc. stands with Chinmoy Krishna Das. Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of all these devotees.” The group has also called for the protection of its members and followers in Bangladesh, who have been increasingly targeted in recent protests.

India’s support for ISKCON and its members is evident in the MEA’s statements, which emphasize the importance of protecting all religious groups in Bangladesh, including Hindus and followers of other faiths. India continues to monitor the developments in Bangladesh closely, urging the government to ensure that all legal processes are transparent and fair.

India’s Strategic Call for Action

India’s response to the situation in Bangladesh is not limited to calls for justice in individual cases but also reflects broader concerns about the safety of religious minorities in its neighbouring country. The rise in extremist rhetoric and violence is seen as a potential threat to regional stability, especially given the long-standing historical ties between India and Bangladesh. India’s position remains firm that Bangladesh must take swift and decisive steps to protect its minority communities and preserve the secular values that the country has long espoused.

Jaiswal reiterated India’s longstanding position on this issue: “We call upon Bangladesh to take all necessary steps for the protection of minorities.”