British Conservative MP Bob Blackman strongly raised the issue of atrocities against Hindus and the arrest of Iskcon priest Chinmoy Krishna Das and said it is unacceptable that “religious minorities are persecuted in this way.”
While addressing the UK Parliament, Blackman said that the Hindus across Bangladesh are being subject literally to death by their houses being burnt, and their temples being burnt.
“Right now the international Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKON), who run Bhaktivedanta Manor in Elstree, the largest Hindu temple in this country. In Bangladesh, their spiritual leader is under arrest. Hindus across Bangladesh are being subject literally to death by their houses being burnt, their temples are being burnt. And there was an attempt today in the Bangladesh High Court to rule that ISKON should be banned from the country. This is a direct attack on Hindus.”
” Now, this is a threat from India to take action. We have a responsibility because we enable Bangladesh to be free and independent. Now, whatever the change of government has been in Bangladesh, it cannot be acceptable that religious minorities are persecuted in this way. So far, we’ve only had a written statement from the FCDO,” he added.
What is happening in Bangladesh?
As the government in Bangladesh changed, the atrocities against Hindus has risen ever since. Amid international condemnation over rising attack on minorities, Bangladesh has made headlines again after Hindu Iskcon priest Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested and then denied bail in a sedition case.
Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested following a controversy that erupted when a sedition case was filed against him and 18 others at in Chittagong on October 30.
The charges were linked to the hoisting of a saffron flag above Bangladesh’s official flag during the October 25 rally at Laldighi Maidan in Chattogram.
Das was presented before a Chittagong court on Tuesday, where his bail plea was denied, and he was sent into custody. The arrest has triggered widespread outrage, with many demanding his immediate release.
What was India’s response?
India on Tuesday expressed “deep concern” over the arrest and denial of bail to Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh, urging the neighbouring country to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and other minority communities.
In a statement, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) expressed its concern about Das’s detention. Das is the spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote.
“We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh…We urge Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression,” said MEA in its statement.
Bangladesh’s ministry of foreign afairs responded firmly to India’s comments, describing the statement as “unfounded” and stating that it contradicted the amicable relationship between both countries.
Dhaka stressed that its legal system operates with complete autonomy, and the government maintains a policy of non-interference in judicial matters.
