Bangladesh (Commonwealth Union)_ Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has strongly condemned the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a prominent former leader of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Bangladesh. Das was arrested following peaceful protests by the Hindu community in Rangpur, demanding enhanced legal protection for minorities in the country. The arrest, which has stirred widespread outrage, saw Das charged with sedition and denied bail by a Dhaka court. The protests, primarily led by the Hindu community, sought to address the growing concerns over the treatment of religious minorities in Bangladesh.
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The demonstrations came after a series of violent incidents involving the vandalism of Hindu homes and temples. Despite the peaceful nature of the protests, the government’s response has been harsh, with police using sound grenades and baton charges to disperse crowds. Reports indicate that the clashes resulted in at least 11 injuries. Accused of insulting the Bangladeshi flag during the protests, Dhaka detained Chinmoy Krishna Das on Monday. While in a prison van outside the court, he spoke to his supporters, advocating for peaceful demonstrations and a united Bangladesh. Social media widely shared his message and symbolic victory sign, further igniting protests across the country.
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In response to the Hindu priest’s arrest, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar expressed deep concern, calling the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh “extremely painful.” He criticized the Bangladeshi authorities for targeting a religious leader who was peacefully standing up for the rights of the affected people. In a video statement, the spiritual guru questioned the logic behind detaining someone who advocated for justice without resorting to violence. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar stated, “He did not use guns, he did not hurt anyone. He is giving courage to people who are fearful and helpless. This is the duty of any religious leader”.
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Ravi Shankar also appealed to Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel laureate and chief advisor to Bangladesh’s caretaker government, to intervene and secure the release of Chinmoy Krishna Das. He expressed his disappointment with Yunus, questioning the detention of a peaceful spiritual leader who was only advocating for minority rights. The spiritual leader also called on the Bangladeshi government to address the concerns of minorities and curb the actions of radical elements within the country. Meanwhile, the Indian government has voiced its concern over the arrest. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement condemning the detention of Das and urging Bangladesh’s authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and other minorities.
The MEA also highlighted ongoing issues of arson, looting, and desecration of Hindu temples, noting that those responsible for these acts of violence remain unpunished. The statement from the MEA read, “The perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, yet charges are pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings. This is deeply troubling”. Furthermore, India also called for greater protection of minority groups in Bangladesh, emphasizing their right to peaceful assembly and expression. The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das has also drawn attention to the ongoing struggles faced by minorities in Bangladesh.
In recent years, notably after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, there have been increasing reports of violence, discrimination, and vandalism targeting religious minorities, particularly Hindus. The arrest and subsequent protests have amplified calls for justice, with both domestic and international organizations urging the Bangladeshi government to take immediate action to protect its minority communities. Furthermore, the incident has become a focal point for international human rights organizations, which are pushing for stronger protections for minorities in Bangladesh. As the situation develops, both the domestic and international communities await further developments, hoping for a peaceful resolution that ensures the safety and dignity of all citizens, regardless of their religion.
