The arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh has ignited renewed tensions with neighboring India regarding the treatment of minorities in the country. Das, a spokesperson for a Bangladeshi Hindu organization, was taken into custody on sedition charges this week, which subsequently led to violent clashes resulting in one death.
India expressed “deep concern” over the incident, urging Bangladesh to ensure the safety of Hindus and all minorities. In response, Bangladeshi officials voiced “utter dismay” at what they described as a misinterpretation of the events surrounding the arrest.
Relations between the two countries, traditionally warm, have cooled following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August amid widespread protests. Hasina has since taken refuge in India, complicating diplomatic relations.
During her 15 years in power, Bangladesh was a key ally for India, particularly regarding border security in the northeastern states, and the relationship fostered economic benefits for Bangladesh. However, since her removal, India has raised alarms about the safety of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, a claim that the Bangladeshi government refutes.
Hindus constitute approximately 8% of the Muslim-majority nation’s population and are the largest minority group. The arrest of Das, made at Dhaka airport on Monday, stems from allegations of disrespecting the national flag during a rally in Chittagong last October. His organization, Iskcon, has condemned the arrest, describing Das as a “vocal advocate for minority protection.”
A court in Chittagong denied bail to Das on Tuesday, leading to violence as hundreds of his supporters surrounded the police van transporting him back to prison. Security forces responded with batons and tear gas, resulting in clashes that left a Muslim lawyer, Saiful Islam Alif, dead. Authorities have arrested six individuals related to the killing and detained over 20 others for their involvement in the violence.
Amid fears of escalating communal tensions, Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has called for calm, reaffirming the government’s commitment to maintaining communal harmony.
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