The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, spokesperson for the Bangladesh United Sanatani Awakening Coalition, was once again a topic of discussion during a US State Department briefing.
Responding to questions, Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel emphasised that detained individuals must be afforded proper legal representation, and fundamental freedoms and human rights should be upheld, according to the United States’ perspective.
Addressing the press at the regular State Department briefing on Tuesday (3 December), Patel highlighted the importance of safeguarding religious freedom and basic human rights.
During the session, a journalist referred to alleged violence against Hindus in Bangladesh and enquired whether the US had any plans to address these concerns.
Patel stated, “We work consistently with every government with which we maintain relations. We have made it clear that fundamental freedoms must be respected, and religious freedom and human rights must be safeguarded. Any form of protest must remain peaceful, and all governments must uphold the rule of law and fundamental human rights as part of that.”
He further assured that the US would continue to emphasise these matters.
Later in the briefing, the journalist raised the issue of Chinmoy Krishna Das’s detention, describing him as an ISKCON leader in Bangladesh.
The journalist also mentioned that Tulsi Gabbard, a proposed director for US National Intelligence, is an ISKCON member.
Allegations were made that Das had been unlawfully arrested, detained, and deprived of legal representation, as his lawyer was reportedly assaulted and hospitalised.
The journalist asked whether the US would take any action on the matter.
In response, Patel commented, “I do not have the specifics of this case at hand. However, I must reiterate our stance: detainees must be allowed appropriate representation, and fundamental freedoms and human rights must be respected.”
This development comes amid heightened scrutiny of human rights issues in Bangladesh, particularly those affecting religious minorities.
