Andhra: Pawan Kalyan condemns arrest of ISKCON priest in Bangladesh; calls for unity

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Wednesday urged people to unite and condemn the arrest of ISKCON priest in Bangladesh.

Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote was arrested by Bangladeshi authorities on Monday while travelling from Dhaka to Chittagong. He is known for leading protests against the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh.

On Tuesday, a Bangladeshi court denied bail to Das. Earlier, he was arrested on sedition charges, and sent to prison, triggering protests by Hindus in various locations, including the capital Dhaka, and the port city of Chattogram.

Reports say the charges relate to an incident on October 25, during a rally organized under the banner "Sanatan Jagaran Mancha." Allegedly, a group of youths placed a saffron flag over the Bangladeshi flag on the Independent Pillar (Shadhinata Smathamva) at Zero Point in Dhaka.

Joining the central government in condemning the arrest, the actor-politician Pawan Kalyan urged the neighboring country’s interim leader and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to take steps to stop the “atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh”.

“Let’s all unite and ly the detention of ISKCON Bangladesh Priest ‘Chinmoy Krishna Das’ by Bangladesh police. We urge and plead Bangladesh Govt (government) under Mohammed Yunus to stop atrocities on Hindus,” said Kalyan in a post on X.

Let’s all unite together in condemning the detention of ISKON Bangladesh Priest ‘ Chinmoy Krishna Das’ by Bangladesh police. We urge and plead Bangladesh Govt under Sri Mohammed Yunus to stop atrocities on Hindus.

Indian army blood has been spilled , our resources had been… https://t.co/HcE9Mf865m

— Pawan Kalyan (@PawanKalyan) November 27, 2024

He recalled the sacrifices of the Indian Army in the formation of Bangladesh. “Indian army blood has been spilled, our resources had been spent, our Army Jawans lives had lost for Bangladesh formation. We are deeply disturbed by the way our Hindu brothers and sisters are being targeted,” he said while seeking the intervention of the United Nations.

Ensure safety of minorities

After the Monk's arrest, India noted with "deep concern" the arrest and denial of bail to Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh and urged authorities in the neighboring country to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all other minority groups.

In a statement, the MEA said it has noted with "deep concern the arrest and denial of bail" to Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. "This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh," it said.

There are "several documented cases" of arson and looting of minorities' homes and business establishments, as well as theft, vandalism, and desecration of deities and temples, the MEA flagged.

"It is unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, charges should be pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings," the statement said.

The MEA also noted with concern the attacks on minorities protesting peacefully against the arrest of Das.

"We urge Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression," it added.

Reacting sharply to the MEA's statement on the arrest of Das, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka said it was "unfounded" and stood contrary to the spirit of friendship between the two countries.

In a statement, Dhaka said it does not interfere with the country's judiciary, which is fully independent. "Such unfounded statements not only misrepresent facts but also stand contrary to the spirit of friendship and understanding between the two neighboring countries," it said.

In a statement issued Pawan Khera, Chairman, Media & Publicity (Communications Dept). AICC stated that the Indian National Congress expresses its deep concern at the atmosphere of insecurity being faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh. The arrest of the ISCKON monk is the latest example

"The Indian National Congress expects government of India to prevail upon the Bangladesh govt to take necessary steps and ensure security of life and property of minorities in the country," said Pawan Khera.