Following the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, concerns have been raised about violence against minorities in Bangladesh. This concern arises from the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in the country. Hundreds of thousands of protesters defied the curfew, marched through the streets of the capital, and later stormed the Prime Minister’s palace in August this year. Since then, there have been instances of violence against minorities, specifically targeting Hindus.
Now as per media reports, a latest input of Indian intelligence agencies have warned about the situation which is becoming increasingly dire. The intel said, “Minorities, especially Hindus, are not only unsafe on the streets but also in jails.”
According to sources, agencies have cautioned about several Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) cadres inciting attacks on minorities and potentially targeting them within jails.
Regarding the current situation in Bangladesh, media reports have stated that various districts in the country have reported attacks on minorities, who are primarily Hindus. It’s said that their houses have been set to fire by mobs and minorities are being targeted. The local government has failed to act, while the fear of violence grips the minorities.
Speaking to News 18, National Spokesperson for ISKCON India, Yudhistir Govinda Das said, “What is happening is unfortunate. We request that rights of Bangladeshi Hindus should be protected, they should be given equal treatment.”
Bangladesh Foreign Ministry’s Commitment
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry released a statement, and affirmed that the government of Bangladesh is committed to upholding communal harmony in the country. “Bangladesh government is firm to uphold religious harmony in Bangladesh, irrespective of religious affiliation, and uphold rule of law for every Bangladeshi, without distinction, under the laws of land.” the statement read.
MEA Urges Bangladesh Authorities To Ensure Safety
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday had condemned the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das. ‘We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh.”
We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh…We… pic.twitter.com/HcbpuRQjer
— ANI (@ANI) November 26, 2024
MEA had urged Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression.
