Since the political upheaval in Bangladesh on 5 August, relations between Dhaka and Delhi have been fraught with tension.
The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson of Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote and principal of Chattogram's Pundarik Dham, has added a fresh layer of discord between the two nations.
In response, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has held discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the Bangladesh issue, reported NDTV on Thursday (28 November).
According to the report, Jaishankar briefed Modi on the matter and may deliver a statement in the Indian Parliament on Friday (29 November).
Opposition parties in India are not expected to raise objections to this statement, according to the report.
Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on 25 November at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by Bangladesh's Detective Branch of Police in connection with multiple cases, including sedition.
He is a former organiser of ISKCON.
The following day, on 26 November, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement expressing "deep concern" over Das's arrest and the denial of his bail.
The ministry highlighted the timing of the arrest, which came in the wake of multiple attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, including incidents of looting, arson at homes and businesses, and vandalism of temples.
In its statement, the Indian government said: "We are deeply concerned about the arrest and denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das, spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Alliance. This development follows a series of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, raising serious concerns about their safety and security."
Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded strongly on Tuesday night, describing India’s statement as "baseless" and "contrary to the spirit of friendship and understanding between the two nations."
The ministry clarified that Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested based on specific allegations and emphasised that his arrest had been misrepresented by certain groups.
"The government of Bangladesh has observed with deep disappointment and regret that the incident of Chinmoy Krishna Das's arrest is being distorted. Such baseless statements not only misrepresent the facts but also undermine the spirit of friendship and mutual understanding between the two neighbouring countries," the ministry's statement read.
