India Vs Bangladesh Over ISKCON’s Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari Arrest
The arrest of former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in Bangladesh on sedition charges has ignited tensions between India and its neighbour. The incident has also drawn responses from religious and political figures, highlighting strained relations between the two nations.
Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former divisional organising secretary of ISKCON Chattogram, was detained at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday. Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch cited his alleged involvement in a sedition case filed in October in Chattogram. The case, lodged by Firoz Khan, a local leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), accuses Chinmoy and others of disrespecting the national flag during a rally.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern over Chinmoy’s arrest and the denial of bail. In a statement, it highlighted “multiple attacks” on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, accusing the government of failing to act against perpetrators. It urged Bangladesh to uphold minority rights and ensure communal harmony.
In response, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rebuked India’s remarks, terming them an intrusion into its internal affairs. It reiterated its commitment to safeguarding religious harmony and ensuring justice for all citizens, regardless of faith. The ministry emphasised that Bangladesh’s judiciary operates independently, and the case would proceed without external interference.
The incident has sparked further unrest, with reports of attacks on minorities protesting Chinmoy’s detention. Security in Chattogram has been heightened following the killing of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif, underscoring escalating tensions.
ISKCON has condemned the charges, labelling them “baseless.” The organisation issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), urging the Indian government to advocate for Chinmoy’s release. ISKCON emphasised its commitment to peace, stating, “We are a Bhakti movement with no ties to terrorism.”
The controversy has strained the otherwise amicable relationship between India and Bangladesh.
