Bangladesh denies bail to Hindu monk Krishna Das, India condemns arrest

Bangladeshi Hindu religious leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was denied bail by a court on Tuesday (Nov 26) and the sedition case filed against him was upheld as tensions escalated over rights of minorities in the country.

The monk, who had earlier led protests for Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, was arrested by the Detective Branch of the Dhaka Police at Dhaka airport on November 25.

The monk was stopped from leaving the country and taken to an undisclosed location by the authorities.

In the wake of the monk's arrest, massive protests were held in different parts of the country and several people suffered injuries.

ISKCON appeals India to intervene, MEA condemns arrest

The temple authorities of ISKCON have appealed to the Indian government to intervene in the issue and speak to Bangladesh for the release of the monk.

Also Read: Bangladesh police detain ISKCON leader Krishna Das at Dhaka airport: Report

The temple authorities further asked the government of Bangladesh to release their leader immediately. They strongly denied allegations of any kind of involvement in the terrorist activities.

In a post on X, 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."

Calling itself a “peace-loving Bhakti movement”, ISKCON appealed to the government of India to take immediate steps on the issue.  

“ISKCON, Inc. urges the Government of India to take immediate steps and speak to the Government of Bangladesh and convey that we are a peace-loving Bhakti movement,” read the post.

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly condemned the arrest of the monk in Bangladesh and appealed authorities to ensure the safety of Hindus.

In an official statement, the MEA said, "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. There are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities’ homes and business establishments, as well as theft and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples."

Who is Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari?

Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari is one of the founders of the discussed Hindu organisation ISKCON and a key advocate for the Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. 

Watch: Bangladesh: Yunus Will Ask India To Send Back Sheikh Hasina To Ensure 'Justice' 

He is the spokesperson of Sanatan Jagoran Mancha, Bangladesh Sanatan Jagoran Mancha and Principal of Pundarik Dham.

He has been vocal about the violence against religious minorities, including Hindus, in Bangladesh.

The country has been witnessing violence against religious minorities since the dethroning of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. 

The interim government of Mohammed Yunus has been criticised for failing to stop the violence against minorities. Since Brahmachari was one of the key voices of Hindus in Bangladesh, his detention is being seen by many as an attempt to silence the voices that are questioning the actions of the Yunus regime. 

(With inputs from agencies)