Ousted PM Sheikh Hasina urges for immediate release of arrested Hindu monk in Bangladesh

Ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Nov 28 called for immediate release of former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh, terming the arrest as “unjust.”

Hasina, who is currently residing in India released a statement shared by her party Awami League on Facebook where she said: “A top leader of the Sanatan religious community has been unjustly arrested, he must be released immediately.”

Das, who is associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), was arrested on Nov 25 at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka while he was going to Chattogram to attend a rally.

He was accused of disrespecting the Bangladeshi flag during a rally in October.

She also criticized the murder of a lawyer in Chittagong and demanded justice, saying “I strongly protest this murder. Those responsible must be found and punished without delay.”

The lawyer, identified as Assistant Public Prosecutor Saiful Islam, was killed on Nov 26 amid protest over Das' arrest.

Violent clashes between security forces and followers of the Hindu monk erupted after he was denied bail by a Chittagong court in a sedition case, according to police reports.

Hasina also urged citizens to be put a united front against violence. “I appeal to everyone in the country to stand against this kind of terror. It is vital to ensure the safety and security of the public’s lives and property,” she said, accusing the current administration of widespread failure in governance.

After Hasina's ouster, Muhammad Yunus took over the country's interim government. The former PM accused the current head of “unconstitutionally usurping power in the country." She further added that Yunus would face action for human rights violations if his government fails to punish the perpetrators.

“A lawyer fulfilling his professional duties was beaten to death. This is an act of terrorism, and those involved will face justice,” she stated.

Hasina, while citing the rise in targeted attacks on worship places of minorities, said that ensuring religious freedom and security of people’s lives and property is the responsibility of the government.

“A temple has been burnt in Chittagong. Previously, mosques, shrines, churches, monasteries and homes of the Ahmadiyya community were attacked, vandalized, looted and set on fire. Religious freedom and security of life and property of people of all communities should be ensured,” she said.

Meanwhile, the monk's arrest has caused diplomatic tension between India and Bangladesh.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Nov 26 expressed concern over the situation, stating: “We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das.” The Indian government also condemned attacks on minorities protesting Das’s arrest.

The incident has also drawn sharp criticism from Indian political leaders who have called for immediate intervention by the Narendra Modi government and international bodies.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Nov 28 said that her government stands with the Modi government on this issue, as reported by news agency ANI.

“We do not want any religion to be harmed. I have spoken to ISKCON here. Since this concerns another country, the Central government must take relevant action. We stand with them on this issue," the West Bengal CM said while addressing the issue in the legislative assembly.

"Bangladesh is a different country. The government of India will look into it. It does not come under our jurisdiction. We are not supposed to talk about it or interfere. While we feel sorry inside, we follow the policies set by the Centre," Banerjee was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Union minister Giriraj Singh also condemned the violence, saying Bangladesh's interim government was “in the clutches of fundamentalists."

He urged the United Nations to step in, saying, “The attacks on Hindus and the arrest of religious leaders are inhumane and unacceptable.”