'More Hindu Priests Detained in Bangladesh Amid Ongoing Protests

In a worrying trend of rising violence against the Hindu community in Bangladesh, two more priests have been detained while attempting to deliver aid to a fellow monk. As protests escalate, the situation calls for urgent attention to the safety of minorities in the region.

P24 News Media

November 30, 2024

1 minute

'More Hindu Priests Detained in Bangladesh Amid Ongoing Protests

India

In recent developments in Bangladesh, two Hindu priests, Rudraproti Kesab Das and Ranga Nath Syama Sundor Das, were taken into custody while they were on their way to provide essential supplies to fellow monk Chinmoy Das, who is incarcerated. This incident marks yet another chapter in the alarming series of attacks on the Hindu community in the nation. Following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das earlier this week on sedition charges, protests erupted among Hindus throughout Bangladesh, demanding justice and protection for their community.

According to sources from the Chattogram Metropolitan Police, the two priests were apprehended by local law enforcement as they were attempting to deliver food, medicine, and monetary aid to Chinmoy Das in jail. Swatantra Gauranga Das, the principal of the Probortak Sangha, confirmed the arrests through a voice recording where the detained priests conveyed their situation. They shared that they were detained by Kotwali police and were subsequently being taken to jail.

This troubling trend of violence seems to coincide with a broader crackdown on the Hindu population that has intensified since the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government faced significant challenges in August. Reports indicate that more than 200 temples have been targeted in various attacks against the Hindu community, leading to a climate of fear and unrest.

Adding to the tension, Bangladeshi authorities have ordered a freeze on bank accounts belonging to 17 individuals linked with ISKCON, including Chinmoy Krishna Das. This order followed a petition filed in the High Court requesting a ban on ISKCON, with claims made by the attorney general labeling the organization as a "religious fundamentalist organization". However, the High Court has thus far refused to impose a ban on ISKCON.

The situation has transcended borders, prompting protests in Kolkata, India, where religious groups gathered outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission to voice their concerns. India has voiced alarm over the escalating violence against minorities in Bangladesh and has called on the Bangladeshi government to uphold the safety and rights of the Hindu community.

In response to the recent surge in incidents targeting Hindus, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs remarked that India has consistently raised concerns with Bangladeshi officials regarding the deteriorating conditions for Hindus and other minority groups. They underscored the urgency for the Bangladeshi government to take proactive measures to ensure the protection of its minority populations from extremist threats.

As the situation develops, it emphasizes the need for vigilance and advocacy for the rights of minority communities in Bangladesh. With ongoing protests and rising discontent, it is crucial for both local and international stakeholders to monitor the actions of the Bangladeshi government regarding the treatment of its Hindu citizens.