Fundamentalist groups on Friday raised an uproar after the Dhaka High Court in Bangladesh refused to ban ISKCON. After the Jumma prayers, millions of Muslims demonstrated in mosques across the country. The largest demonstrations took place in the capital Dhaka and Chittagong. The protesters called for an immediate ban on ISKCON, calling it a 'Hindu extremist outfit' and a 'fundamentalist and anti-national group'.
Many religious-based organizations and political parties, including the radical organization Hefazat-e-Islam, the Khilafat Majlis and the Islamic Movement, participated in these rallies. Hifazat said that the defeated powers of the country are using Hindus to spread chaos. The way lawyer Saiful Islam Alif was killed in the Chittagong court complex last Tuesday was an attempt to incite a civil war.
At the same time ISKCON organized a kirtan in Kolkata for the release of Chinmay Krishna Das. ISKCON has announced that a global prayer meeting will be organized in all ISKCON temples around the world on Sunday. In which prayers will be offered for the safety of Hindu devotees and religious minorities in Bangladesh.
After Jumma prayers in Dhaka, Bangladesh, there were protests over the banning of ISKCON.
The minister said- a foreign group is trying to trouble the government Meanwhile, Interim Government Religious Minister Khalid Hussain said-
Local and foreign factions are very active in troubling the current government. Care should be taken that our inner harmony and peace is not destroyed in any way.
Khalid Hussain also said that no one involved in the lawyer's murder would be spared. He said this while answering questions from reporters after visiting Saiful Islam's grave at Lohagra in Chittagong on Friday morning. On November 26, a lawyer was killed during a demonstration in support of Chinmaya Prabhu in Chittagong. The slain lawyer was identified as Saiful Islam alias Alif (35). It is not known how the lawyer died.
The picture is of deceased lawyer Saiful.
Who is Chinmoy Prabhu, on whose arrest India got angry with Bangladesh?
Chinmaya Krishna Das Brahmachari's real name is Chandan Kumar Dhar. He is the head of Chittagong ISKCON. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left the country on August 5, 2024 amid the ongoing violence in Bangladesh. This was followed by large-scale violence against Hindus.
After this Sanatan Jagran Manch was formed to protect the interests of Bangladeshi Hindus and minorities. Chinmay Prabhu became its spokesman. Through the Sanatan Jagran Manch, Chinmay addressed several rallies in Chittagong and Rangpur. Thousands of people participated in it.
Why was Chinmay Prabhu arrested?
On October 25, Sanatan Jagran Manch held a rally at Laldighi Maidan in Chittagong with 8 point demands. Chinmay Krishna Das spoke in this. Meanwhile, some people hoisted saffron flag on Azadi Stambha in New Market Chowk. This flag had 'Aami Sanatani' written on it.
After the rally, on October 31, Feroze Khan, leader of Begum Khaleda's BNP party, filed a sedition case against 19 people, including Chinmoy Krishna Das, in Chittagong. He is accused of insulting the national flag.
How was Chinmay Prabhu arrested?
Bangladesh Police arrested Chinmay Krishna Das Brahmachari from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday. He was going to Chittagong. ISKCON members present at the scene said that the DB police did not show any arrest warrant. They just said they wanted to talk. After this they took him to the bus.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Detective Branch (DB) Additional Commissioner of Police Rezaul Karim Malik said Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested following a police request. Chinmoy Das will be handed over to the concerned police station for legal proceedings.
Bangladesh ISKCON religious leader walks out of court after bail plea rejected
What is the attitude of India regarding the arrest of Chinmoy Prabhu?
India expressed displeasure over the arrest of Chinmoy Prabhu. India's Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement issued on Tuesday that we are concerned about the arrest of Chinmay Krishna Das. The Ministry of External Affairs said that it is unfortunate that criminals roam freely, but cases are pending against religious leaders who raise legitimate demands through peaceful meetings.
Important points of India's statement on the arrest of Chinmoy Prabhu…
- There have been many cases of arson and looting of minority homes and shops, desecration of deities and temples in Bangladesh.
- We also express concern over the attacks on minorities peacefully protesting the arrest of Das.
- Bangladesh authorities should protect Hindus and all minorities, give them the right to freedom of expression.
Bangladesh also responded, saying the facts were misrepresented
Bangladesh has also reacted to the statement issued by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. “It is very sad that the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das has been misrepresented by some,” Bangladesh's foreign ministry said on Tuesday.
Such statements not only misrepresent the facts, but are also against the spirit of friendship and mutual understanding between the two neighboring countries, the ministry said. The Bangladesh government wishes to reiterate that the country's judiciary is completely independent and that the government does not interfere in their functioning.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
