India’s Ministry of External Affairs has expressed profound concern over the arrest and subsequent denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent Hindu religious leader and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote.
The Ministry highlighted the alarming backdrop of growing attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist factions in Bangladesh.
“Documented cases of arson, looting, theft, and the desecration of deities and temples underscore a disturbing pattern of targeted violence against minorities. Homes and businesses have been vandalised, yet the perpetrators of these heinous acts continue to roam free,” read the statement, issued on Tuesday (26 November).
The Indian government criticised the charges filed against Shri Das, noting that he had merely engaged in peaceful gatherings to voice legitimate demands. “It is deeply regrettable that a religious leader advocating peacefully should face prosecution, while those responsible for these atrocities remain unpunished,” it added.
Concerns were also raised regarding the attacks on minorities protesting against Das’ detention. Reports suggest that these protests, conducted peacefully, were met with hostility, further exacerbating the vulnerabilities of the affected communities.
India has called upon the Bangladeshi authorities to prioritise the safety and security of Hindus and all other minorities.
It emphasised the need to uphold their fundamental rights, including the freedom of peaceful assembly and expression.
The statement comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
