By TC News Desk
Agartala, 26th November 2024: The Forum for Protection of Minorities in Bangladesh on Tuesday submitted a deputation to the Bangladesh High Commission, protesting the arrest of Chinmoy Krishnadas alias Krishna Prabhu Das, a prominent leader of Bangladesh’s Hindu minorities. The arrest took place at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Monday sparking widespread outrage.
Subal Kumar Dey, president of the organization expressed shock and dismay over the arrest. “Everyone is surprised and shocked by the unjustified arrest of Chinmoy Krishnadas Brahmachari alias Krishna Prabhu Das by the Bangladesh police. There was no case or complaint against him, yet he has been detained,” Dey stated.
Krishnadas, associated with Bangladesh ISKCON had recently led a movement advocating for the security and rights of minority citizens in Bangladesh. It is believed that his activism led to his arrest. “Such behavior by the government of any civilized and democratic country is unprecedented and condemnable,” Dey added.
The news of Krishnadas’ arrest has caused a significant stir globally, particularly in Hindu-majority India. Strong condemnation has been expressed across the country, including in Tripura. Dey highlighted the historical context of persecution against Hindus in Bangladesh, noting that the Hindu population has dwindled from 29 percent at the time of East Pakistan’s birth to just six percent today. “Every day, Bangladesh is trying to drive out Hindus,” he said.
Dey emphasized that Krishnadas’ arrest is an attempt to silence his efforts in protecting the rights of Hindu citizens. “He is a renunciant monk, not involved in any politics. If he has to be arrested for this, it speaks volumes about the current situation of minority people in Bangladesh,” Dey remarked.
The organization also raised concerns about attempts to remove pictures of Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Mujib from Bangladesh, indicating extreme anarchy. Dey speculated that external forces like Pakistan, China, and America might be behind these actions to embarrass India. “If this is not stopped now, it is likely to increase in the future,” he warned.
The deputation demanded the unconditional and dignified release of Chinmoy Krishnadas Brahmachari and the protection of the rights and security of all religious minorities in Bangladesh. The delegation included the organization’s executive secretary Arun Nath, treasurer Pranab Sarkar, and other members- Jayanta Bhattacharjee, Manas Paul and Sanjoy Paul.
The protest highlighted the urgent need for addressing the rights and safety of minority communities in Bangladesh, calling for immediate action from the government.
