Bangladesh says 'deeply hurt', refutes India's remark over Hindu monk Chinmoy's arrest
The Government of Bangladesh has strongly refuted a statement made by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) regarding the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, labelling the claims as "unfounded" and contrary to the spirit of friendship between the two nations.
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FollowThe Government of Bangladesh has strongly refuted a statement made by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) regarding the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, labelling the claims as "unfounded" and contrary to the spirit of friendship between the two nations.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka on Tuesday, Bangladesh expressed “utter dismay and deep hurt” over the statement, clarifying that the arrest of Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das was based on specific charges. It criticised certain quarters for misrepresenting the arrest and asserted that these allegations undermine the facts while mischaracterising the commitment of the Bangladeshi government to religious harmony.
Also read: ‘Ensure safety of Hindus’: India slams Bangladesh after arrest of ISKCON monk amid unrest
“The Government of Bangladesh maintains that such unfounded statements not only misrepresent facts, but also stand contrary to the spirit of friendship and understanding between the two neighbouring countries,” the Bangladesh’s ministry of foreign affairs said.
The Bangladesh’s interim government led by Muhammad Yunus further alleged that the statement issued by the MEA “does not reflect the harmony that exists among the peoples of all faiths and the commitment and the efforts of the government and the people in this regard.”
“It also completely disregards that the Government of Bangladesh is determined to conclusively end the culture of impunity to the perpetrators of gross human rights violations against the people of Bangladesh, thus treating the religious majority and minorities alike.”
India asks Bangladesh to ensure safety of Hindus
Responding on the arrest and denial of bail of Chinmoy Krishna Das the Ministry of External Affairs had urged Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety and security of Hindus.
"This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities' homes and business establishments, as well as theft and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples", the statement said.
"It is unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, charges should be pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings. We also note with concern the attacks on minorities protesting peacefully against the arrest of Das. We urge Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression," the statement added.
Chinmoy's arrest & protests
On Tuesday, a court in Bangladesh denied bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das who was arrested a day before on sedition charges and was sent to prison. His detention triggered massive protests by community members in several locations, including the capital city of Dhaka and the port city of Chattogram.
Das was escorted to the court on Tuesday amid tight security as a large group of his supporters, including lawyers, chanted slogans protesting his arrest and demanding his release.
Also read: Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das' lawyer killed amid protests outside Bangladesh court
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