'Ensure Religious Freedom, Security': Sheikh Hasina Slams Chinmoy Das' Arrest, Demands Immediate Release

Sheikh Hasina appealed to the people in Bangladesh to stand united against such incidents of terrorism and militancy. She said it is important to ensure the safety of the lives of people.

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday condemned the arrest of Bangladeshi Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das calling it an 'unjustly arrest' and demanded his immediate release. 

The former PM, who is in exile in India, also condemned the murder of a lawyer in Chittagong and said that those involved in this murder should be found and punished quickly.

"A lawyer went to perform his professional duties, and those who beat him to death are terrorists. Whoever they are must be punished. If the unconstitutionally usurped Yunus government fails to punish these terrorists, it will also face punishment for human rights violations," a statement of Sheikh Hasina, released by Awami League, said on Thursday.

She appealed to the people in Bangladesh to stand united against such incidents of terrorism and militancy. She said it is important to ensure the safety of the lives and property of the common people.

The Awami League leader also attacked the interim Bangladesh government under Muhammad Yunus saying that "the power grabbers are showing failure in all areas."

Speaking on the arrest of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachary, Hasina said that religious freedom and security of life and property must be ensured for people of all communities. 

"A top leader of the Sanatan religious community has been unjustly arrested, he must be released immediately. A temple has been burnt in Chittagong. Previously, mosques, shrines, churches, monasteries and homes of the Ahmadiyya community were attacked, vandalized and looted and set on fire. Religious freedom and security of life and property must be ensured for people of all communities," she added.

Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachary, arrested earlier this week, was sent to jail by a Chattogram court on sedition charges, sparking a violent protest during which assistant government prosecutor Saiful Islam Alif was killed.  

Meanwhile, ISKCON Bangladesh refuted allegations linking the organisation to the lawyer's killing, saying the claims were baseless and part of a malicious campaign.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement on Tuesday noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Das and urged the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities. 

"There are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities' homes and business establishments, as well as theft, vandalism and desecration of deities and temples in Bangladesh. It is unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, charges should be pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings," the MEA statement said. 

Bangladesh responded to MEA by saying that the Indian statement was contrary to the spirit of friendship and understanding between the two neighbouring countries on a matter concerning the internal affairs of Bangladesh. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said the MEA statement did not “reflect the harmony that exists among the peoples of all faiths and the commitment and efforts of the government and the people in this regard”. 

At least 30 suspects have been detained in Bangladesh's Chattogram for their alleged involvement in the killing of lawyer Saiful Islam and attacking security personnel over the arrest of Chinmoy Das.