India Urges ‘Just, Fair, Transparent’ Legal Process For Monk Chinmoy Das
India expressed that it expects the case involving seer Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh will be dealt with in a just, fair, and transparent manner, ensuring full respect for legal rights.
India has called on Bangladesh to ensure a “just, fair, and transparent” legal process for former ISKCON seer Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was recently arrested on sedition charges.
Chinmoy Krishna Das, former spokesperson of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and leader of the Hindu group Sammilita Sanatani Jote, was arrested at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday. Denied bail by a Chattogram court, he was sent to jail on Tuesday. His arrest has sparked unrest, with a clash between security personnel and his supporters reportedly resulting in the death of a lawyer.
Addressing the matter, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “We see ISKCON as a globally well-regarded organisation with a strong record of social service. As far as cases against individuals are concerned, we have noted that legal processes are underway. We expect that these processes will deal with the case in a just, fair, and transparent manner, ensuring full respect for the legal rights of all concerned.”
India's Concerns Over Minority Safety
India has expressed growing concerns over the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, amidst escalating incidents of violence and desecration of religious sites. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal underscored the urgency of the situation, stating, “India has consistently and strongly raised with the Bangladesh government the threats and 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 added, “We are concerned at the surge of extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence and provocation. These developments cannot be dismissed only as media exaggeration.”
Regarding the supply of commodities from India to Bangladesh, the MEA informed us that the supply of commodities from India to Bangladesh continues. Likewise, the trade between Bangladesh and India continues in both directions.
ALSO READ | India Expresses Concern As ISKCON Bangladesh Monk Chinmoy Das Sent To Jail, But ‘Unlikely To Intervene’
Primary Responsibility For Protection Of Life And Liberty Of Minorities Rests With Bangladesh Govt: Jaishankar
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in his statement in the Lok Sabha on Friday cited several reports of violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, including attacks on homes, businesses, temples, and other religious sites. He highlighted that such incidents, including during the month of August 2024, have been taken seriously by the Indian government, which has raised its concerns with the Government of Bangladesh.
"Reports of attacks on temples and puja mandaps also came to light during the recent Durga Puja festival in Bangladesh. The government had expressed its serious concerns regarding the attack on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka, and the theft at the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple at Satkhira during Durga Puja 2024," Jaishankar stated.
Following these incidents, the Bangladesh government reportedly took steps to ensure the safety of minorities during the Durga Puja celebrations by deploying the Army and Border Guards Bangladesh for special security arrangements.
Jaishankar further emphasised that the High Commission of India in Dhaka continues to monitor the situation closely. "The primary responsibility for the protection of life and liberty of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, rests with the Government of Bangladesh," he added.
Chinmoy Das Arrest
On Tuesday morning, Chinmoy Krishna Das, popularly revered as ‘Chinmoy Prabhu,’ was produced at a Chattogram court under tight security following his arrest on Monday, which had sparked widespread protests. The demonstrations were not limited to Hindu religious bodies but also included members of Muslim and Buddhist communities, condemning the arrest as a violation of freedom of expression and human rights.
Das was presented before the court of Kazi Shariful Islam, the sixth Metropolitan Magistrate. AAM Humayun Kabir, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Prosecution) of the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP), confirmed the details to local media.
After nearly three hours of deliberations, the court rejected Das’s bail application and ordered his remand to jail. However, the court directed that Das be accorded special provisions in jail, allowing him meals in accordance with his religious practices.
As Das exited the court, a large crowd of supporters gathered on the premises, chanting “Joy Chinmoy Prabhu Joy!” Roads in Dhaka echoed similar slogans, as devotees rallied in his support.
Despite the uproar, Das urged the Hindu community to maintain peace and avoid violence. Addressing the crowd, he said, “Whatever happens to me, you don’t stop the logical movement,” before being taken away by authorities.
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