Chinmoy Krishna Das' Arrest: Sheikh Hasina Labels It Unjust, Urges Protection for Minorities

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina has called the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das unjust and has demanded his immediate release, highlighting the ongoing violence against religious minorities in the country.

P24 News Media

November 28, 2024

1 minute

Chinmoy Krishna Das' Arrest: Sheikh Hasina Labels It Unjust, Urges Protection for Minorities

India

Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu cleric, found himself at the center of a controversial arrest this week, which drew strong condemnation from former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. She asserted that his detainment was completely unjustified and called for his swift release, voicing serious concerns over the safety and rights of ethnic and religious minorities in Bangladesh. This call to action comes on the heels of a troubling pattern of violence against minority communities since Hasina's exit from power last August, when she was compelled to leave due to severe unrest following student protests.

Hasina firmly stated, “A prominent leader from the Sanatan Dharma community has been wrongfully arrested. He should be freed without delay.” She pointed out the rising incidents of violence, including temple burnings in Chittagong, and an alarming history of attacks on various religious sites, including mosques, churches, and homes of the Ahmadiyya community. Her statement emphasized the necessity for protecting the rights and safety of individuals belonging to all faiths, insisting that religious freedom must prevail across the nation.

In her message shared on social media, Hasina highlighted the ongoing attacks that have created an atmosphere of fear among people from various religious backgrounds. “Religious freedom is a fundamental right that must be upheld for all,” she reiterated, stressing that recent events have shown an alarming disregard for the safety of minority populations. She called on the authorities to ensure that such injustices do not continue unchecked.

Following her ouster, Hasina sought refuge in New Delhi, and her return to Bangladesh has been fraught with challenges as her party, the Awami League, faces escalating violence. She condemned the ongoing harassment and violence aimed at party members and the public, denouncing these acts as anarchistic.

Her statements come amidst rising concerns regarding human rights violations, with recent violent incidents resulting in fatalities among lawyers and activists. Hasina has urged a united front against terrorism and violence, insisting on accountability for acts that violate the rights of citizens.

Chinmoy Krishna Das has faced legal challenges after a complaint was lodged against him for displaying a saffron flag above the national flag during a rally. His arrest has sparked outrage and concern, with India’s government expressing alarm over the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh. “We note with distress the documented cases of violence against minorities and deplore the fact that while offenders roam free, a religious leader who seeks to put forth legitimate concerns peacefully is met with legal action,” noted a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs.

This incident underscores the precarious situation for minority communities in Bangladesh, who have long faced discrimination and violence. The international community is watching closely as the situation evolves, and calls for justice and human rights protections grow louder.

Furthermore, Hasina’s appeals highlight a broader call for unity against the rising tide of violence in society. The responsibilities of the current interim government are under scrutiny as they confront challenges to human rights and public safety. “If human rights are not honored, there will be consequences for this government,” she asserted, urging citizens to band together against acts of violence and to demand justice for all.