Deposed Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on Thursday, condemned the arrest of Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das on sedition charges, calling for his immediate release. Speaking out against the targeting of minorities, Hasina criticised the growing attacks on religious communities in Bangladesh.
Call for Immediate Release of Chinmoy Krishna Das
In a statement, Hasina said, “A top leader of the Sanatan religious community has been unjustly arrested, he must be released immediately.” Das, who served as a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, was arrested earlier this week and denied bail.
Hasina also pointed to the broader issue of religious intolerance, noting, “Temples, mosques, shrines, churches, and Ahmadiyya homes have been attacked, vandalised, and looted. The safety of life and property for all communities must be ensured.”
Persecution of Hindu Communities and ISKCON’s Challenges
Hindus, who once formed 22 per cent of Bangladesh’s population during the 1971 Liberation War, now represent only about 8 per cent. This sharp decline is attributed to decades of socio-political marginalisation and violence.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has been a key target of fundamentalist groups due to its efforts to support persecuted Hindus and resist forced conversions. Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari, ISKCON’s chief in Bangladesh, welcomed the High Court’s decision to reject a petition seeking a ban on the organisation, calling it a validation of their peaceful and humanitarian work.
Das Brahmachari explained, “Fundamentalists are attacking ISKCON because we stand against their agenda to instill fear and force conversions. Our teachings unite Hindus living under constant threat.”
Systematic Efforts to Undermine Minorities
According to ISKCON officials, Chinmoy Krishna Das had been expelled from the organization in September for disciplinary reasons. They distanced themselves from his arrest and the subsequent protests, including the violent clash in Chattogram that led to the death of a lawyer.
Das Brahmachari described a grim reality for minorities in Bangladesh, saying, “The goal is to wipe out Hindus through fear and forced conversions.” He emphasized the need for collective efforts to ensure the safety and dignity of all communities in the country.
Political and Communal Dimensions of Violence
Current interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who assumed office in August following widespread protests against Hasina’s government, dismissed the violence against Hindus as politically motivated. However, Das Brahmachari strongly refuted this, stating, “If the attacks were political, why are Hindu temples and religious sites being targeted? The violence stems from deep-seated communal animosity.”
Despite the challenges, ISKCON remains committed to promoting peace and harmony. Das Brahmachari called on the interim government to take decisive action to protect minorities. “These attacks are not just on ISKCON but on the principles of peace and coexistence,” he said, urging civil society to reject misinformation and support the organisation’s efforts.
He concluded by calling for a collective vision of tolerance and justice, stating, “The government must uphold the values of equality and justice to ensure a future where everyone can live without fear.”
(With agency inputs)