Retired Bureaucrats, Judges Seek PM Modi's Intervention After Chinmoy Das' 'Unjust' Arrest In Bangladesh
The former J&K DGP slammed Bangladesh over Chinmoy Das' arrest, saying that the priest's incarceration was a "direct attack on free speech, freedom of assembly, and right to protest peacefully".
Former Director General of Police Shesh Paul Vaid on Wednesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking urgent action on the "unjust" arrest of ISKON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh and the atrocities against Hindus in the neighbouring country. He stated that the revered priest had been sent to jail on "fabricated sedition charges" and that he has been "criminalised for standing up against injustice".
The letter, shared by him on his social media account, was signed by a group of 68 retired IAS, IPS, IRS, IIS, IFS, High Court Judge, state officers, and sitting Member of Parliament, who expressed "deep concern" over the "increasing violence, discrimination, and persecution faced by the Hindu minority in Bangladesh". The retired officials have appealed to PM Modi to take action regarding the issue and have sought his "immediate intervention".
"We are writing to express our deep concern regarding the increasing violence, discrimination, and persecution being faced by the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. The systematic attacks against Hindus, their religious sites, their properties, and their very dignity are reaching unprecedented levels. These acts of violence and discrimination not only violate the fundamental rights of the Hindu community in Bangladesh but also undermine the principles of peace, coexistence, and religious freedom that India and Bangladesh have historically upheld," the letter addressed to the PM read.
Slamming the Bangladesh government over Das' arrest, Vaid said the priest's incarceration was a "direct attack on free speech, freedom of assembly, and right to protest peacefully".
"He (Chinmoy Das) was detained simply for organising a peaceful protest against the ongoing atrocities and advocating for the rights of the Hindu community. His peaceful activism should have been protected as a fundamental right, yet he has been criminalized for standing up against injustice," the letter noted.
Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a prominent monk of ISKCON Bangladesh, was sent to jail on charges of sedition for allegedly insulting the country’s flag during a rally last month.
Vaid listed six actions in the letter, which the signatories agreed were needed to be taken by India given the "gravity of the human rights violations". These included: "immediate protection for Hindus in Bangladesh", "release of Chinmoy Krishna Das and other religious leaders", "justice for Hindu women", "international sanctions on Bangladesh", "protection of property rights and employment of Hindus", and "diplomatic action at the United Nations and other international forums".
Hon'ble PM @narendramodi, we, a group of 68 retired Judge of High Court, IAS, IPS, IRS, IIS, IFS and state officers, along with a sitting Member of Parliament, have signed and submitted an urgent appeal regarding the atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, including the unjust… pic.twitter.com/doQRRksPzb
— Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) November 27, 2024
The former DGP emphasised that it was the "moral and diplomatic responsibility" of India to raise the issue at the highest levels and to take "strong, decisive action" in order to ensure the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh. The letter further noted that the current situation in Bangladesh is "dire" and that the Hindu community is suffering under conditions that are similar to "severe human rights violations".
India on Tuesday stated that it will not be raising the issue of Chinmoy Das' arrest with Bangladesh as it is the country's internal matter. However, India expressed "deep concern" over the arrest and denial of bail in a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs.
"It is unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these incidents (attacks on Hindus) remain at large, charges should be pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings. We also note with concern the attacks on minorities protesting peacefully against the arrest of Shri Das," MEA had said.
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