Union Minister Giriraj Singh urges UN intervention over religious violence in Bangladesh

In response to the attack on Hindus in Bangladesh and the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Nov 27 said that the country's interim government is in the "clutches of fundamentalists" and asked the UN to step in.

“Attacks like this are against humanity,” said Singh, criticizing the arrest of a Hindu leader in Bangladesh.

"The caretaker 'prime minister' of Bangladesh is in the clutches of fundamentalists. The way Hindus are being attacked is against humanity. The United Nations should intervene in this matter," he added.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus leads Bangladesh's interim government.

The targeting of Hindus and the detention of religious leaders, according to Singh, indicate that fundamentalists, like those in Pakistan, are in control of the interim government in Bangladesh.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) monk was detained by Bangladeshi authorities on Nov 25 while he was traveling to Chattogram from the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.

India urged authorities in the neighboring country to protect the safety and security of Hindus and all other minority groups, expressing "deep concern" over the Hindu leader's arrest and refusal of release.

Singh also criticized the opposition, claiming that although they are bringing up the Sambhal violence, they are not even worried about the situation of Bangladesh's Hindu community.

"People are talking about going to Sambhal, but Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav are not able to see Bangladesh, where atrocities are being committed against the Hindus. All Hindus should protest against the atrocities in Bangladesh," said Singh.

Additionally, he emphasized the necessity of a law to prevent conversions in India.

"The law made by Assam on conversion should be welcomed. All states should have similar laws against religious conversion through enticements. Conversions are rising in the country, and it is unfortunate. Democracy is safe only as long as the majority is 'Sanatani,'" Singh added.

A number of other Members of Parliament (MPs) also denounced the attack on Bangladesh's minorities and called for the government to step in.

The incident was also denounced by TMC MP Saugata Roy, who expressed concern that Hindus are being subjected to atrocities.

"It should not happen. I condemn it. The government should actively intervene in the matter," he said.

Gaurav Gogoi, the head of the Congress, said the situation in Bangladesh was concerning to his party.

"We are worried over what is happening in Bangladesh. A few days back, an ISKCON monk was arrested; his supporters were attacked. Where is Vishwaguru, PM Modi?" he asked.

"Why is there such a situation in a neighboring country despite PM Modi's presence? He goes to mediate between Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine... but ever since he has taken charge, India's influence in its neighborhood is declining. He is silent today, and no concrete steps are being taken to resolve the situation," he said.

Samik Bhattacharya, a BJP leader, said that the nation's silence on the crimes being committed against minorities in Bangladesh is unfortunate.

"Hindus, Buddhists, Chakmas, and members of other religious and ethnic groups are being tortured in Bangladesh. Many temples and other religious places have been destroyed. Women are being married off forcefully. Illegal and forceful conversions are happening... All of this is happening, but it is unfortunate that the entire country is silent on this issue," Bhattacharya said.

On Oct 31, a sedition case was filed against Chinmoy Das and 18 others at the Kotwali Police Station.

Das, the former divisional organizing secretary of ISKCON in Chattogram, was accused of disrespecting Bangladesh's national flag during a rally organized by ISKCON in the New Market area of Chattogram.

According to Nath, the Hindu community was being mobilized by Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari to demand "eight-point demands" for minorities.

After Chinmoy Krishna Das’s detention by Bangladeshi authorities at Dhaka airport, members of the minority community staged protests across the country, particularly in Dhaka.

Due to rising tensions in Chittagong, law enforcement authorities across Bangladesh are on high alert. Additional forces have been deployed in the capital, Dhaka, and in Chittagong.