Kolkata: Terming Bangladesh govt’s response to India on the arrest of monk

Chinmoy Krishna Das

“highly frustrating”, Iskcon’s Kolkata vice-president and spokesperson Radharamn Das said he felt extremely helpless for other monks and minorities in the neighbouring country.
“The Union ministry of external affairs issued a strong statement condemning the arrest and the attacks on the minority Hindu population there. But the reply from Bangladesh govt was as if they were advising Indian govt to mind its own business. It is not only sad but extremely concerning for all minorities living there,” he said.
Das said he had received calls and videos from monks and other followers in Bangladesh, many of whom were hiding inside ashrams. “An Iskcon ashram in Bangladesh’s Shibchar was forcibly shut on Tuesday night following threats. There have also been reports of houses being set on fire, with over 250 people injured in the violence. A Kali temple was also demolished. This is complete anarchy,” he said.
Das said he was shocked at Bangladesh govt calling Iskcon a fundamentalist organisation and the fact that a petition was filed in the country’s high court seeking a ban on it. “Ours is an institution that works for people irrespective of caste, creed or religion. We distribute free meals to people all over the world without asking about their religion. We do so in Bangladesh as well. Is this how we deserve to be paid back?” he said.

Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, member of West Bengal Minorities Commission and general secretary of United Interfaith Foundation India, said targeting Chinmoy Krishna Das and the minority community in Bangladesh was a grave injustice that must be unequivocally condemned. “As neighbours and advocates of harmony, we, the Indian citizens, stand firmly for the protection of minority rights across borders. Discrimination and intimidation against any community erodes the principles of justice and humanity. We call for an immediate end to such acts and urge the authorities to ensure justice, dignity and equal rights for all citizens in Bangladesh,” he said.
Syed Zaki Hasan Rizvi, president of Zainabia Education Centre in Kolkata, said he feared for the safety of all religious minorities in Bangladesh. “Both India and Bangladesh have a responsibility to ensure the protection and dignity of all their citizens, regardless of faith. Reports of harassment or discrimination against minorities not only threaten social harmony but also tarnish the democratic principles these nations stand for. It is imperative for both govts to take firm action to safeguard minority rights and foster an environment of mutual respect and security,” said Rizvi.