Krishna Das Prabhu, a Bangladeshi Hindu religious leader was detained at Dhaka airport on Monday, said sources adding that he was prevented from leaving the country and taken to unidentified location.

Hindu rights groups and civil society organizations in Bangladesh staged protests in Dhaka, Chittagong, and other major cities on Sunday evening, demanding the release of an ISKCON monk.

However, the protests turned violent at several locations. At least 20 people were injured, with three in critical condition, during clashes near Shahbag Square and the university area in Dhaka.

Concern about attack on Hindus

The monk in question, Krishna Das Prabhu (also known as Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari), has reportedly raised concerns about attacks on Hindus and other minorities in the wake of a regime change in Bangladesh earlier this year. Sources say that there were several FIRs and investigations pending against him.

Indian Government Expressed Concern

Indian lawmakers and officials have expressed concern over his arrest, suggesting that it could be part of a broader strategy by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus to target Hindus. Kanchan Gupta, senior advisor to India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, stated that Krishna Das Prabhu is a respected Hindu leader and member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).

The West Bengal leader of opposition urged the External minister of India to take note of the matter and take urgent steps.

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Arrested by Detective Branch of Bangladesh

Hindu groups in Bangladesh have claimed that the ISKCON leader, Chinmoy Prabhu Das, was arrested by the Detective Branch (DB) of Bangladesh. In response to his detention, devotees swiftly organized nationwide protests.

Rallies have been held across the country, including in Dhaka, Chittagong, Barisal, and Khulna, with participants calling for his immediate release. In Dhaka, ISKCON followers have gathered outside the Detective Branch office, demanding his freedom from detention.

Author shared video

Taslima Nasreen also shared a video of the protest which shows that thousands of people blocked a road in Bangladesh while raising slogans.

Hindus protest in Chittagong against the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das. pic.twitter.com/um00ys0fqV

— taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen) November 25, 2024