prada manila Hindu Leader Row: Bangladesh Calls ISKCON 'Religious Fundamentalist'; Outfit Seeks India's Intervention

Prominent Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das detained in Bangladesh Photo: AP Prominent Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das detained in Bangladesh Photo: AP

Bangladesh government on Wednesday called the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) a "religious fundamentalist organisation". They were responding to a writ petition filed in the High Court seekinga ban on ISKCON in Bangladesh.

The development came in connection with the protest over the detention of a prominent Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in Bangladesh.

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According to Bangladesh's leading Newspaper, The Daily Star, a lawyer Moniruzzaman on Wednesday filed a plea before a bench of Justices Farah Mahbub and Debashish Roy Chowdhury seeking the ban.

Responding to his plea, the Attorney General, Md Asaduzzaman termed ISKCON as a 'religious fundamentalist organisation' while asserting that the government was already scrutinising them.

The Modi government has expressed `concern' over the arrest.

Condemning the incident and seeking the United Nation's intervention, Union minister Giriraj Singh on Wednesday said the attack on Hindus in Bangladesh reflected that the interim government of that country is in the "clutches of fundamentalists."

"The caretaker 'prime minister' of Bangladesh is in the clutches of fundamentalists. The way Hindus are being attacked is against humanity. United Nations should intervene in this matter," Singh told reporters, as per a report by The Week.

ISKCON seeks Indian govt's intervention

In view of the escalating situation, the International Society for Krishna ISKCON Kolkata on Wednesday said they have apprised the central government about the current scenario.

PTI quoted the ISKCON spokesperson Radharaman Das saying that ``the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh was the last example of the continuing attacks, and persecution of ISKCON monks and devotees as well as members of minority communities including Hindus''.

"The arrest and mounting threats by Islamists against ISKCON and other Hindu religious orders like Ramakrishna Mission had been going on for the past three months and Das's arrest was the last instance as of now. The situation is alarming and we have urged the Ministry of External Affairs and the Union Home Ministry to take appropriate steps to save and protect the lives and properties of people under such attacks.

Das also added that ISKCON wishes the United Nations to take note of the situation and do whatever is needed for the immediate release of Chinmoy Krishna Das.

What led to the arrest?

Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a prominent Hindu leader in Bangladesh, was arrested under sedition charges over the hoisting of a saffron flag and highlighting the selective targeting of minorities in Bangladesh. Das has been a vocal advocate for the rights of Hindus in the country.

Chittagong's Metropolitan Magistrate Court on Tuesday rejected Das's bail application. Bangladesh police on Monday arrested the leader of a Hindu outfit 'Sammilita Sanatani Jote' from the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport area in Dhaka over the charges of sedition.

The court in Bangladesh sent the ISKCON priest to judicial custody as the police did not seek his remand. The court granted him all religious privileges during his detention.

ALSO READ | Bangladesh Should Formally Announce They Want Hindus Out: Dhaka ISKCON Spokesperson

What did MEA say?

In its official statement, the MEA said it has noted with "deep concern the arrest and denial of bail" to 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," it said.

"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", the MEA flagged.

The MEA also noted with concern the attacks on minorities protesting peacefully against the arrest of Das.

"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," it added.

ALSO READ | Bangladesh Unrest: ISKCON Temple In Meherpur Vandalised Amid Fears Of Religious Clashes

MEA statement 'unfounded': Bangladesh

In a sharp reaction to MEA's statement, Bangladesh said that India's reaction was “unfounded” and stood contrary to the spirit of friendship between the two countries.

“Such unfounded statements not only misrepresent facts but also stand contrary to the spirit of friendship and understanding between the two neighbouring countries”.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the MEA statement does not reflect the harmony that exists among the peoples of all faiths in the country.

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