ছবি: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Bangladesh has expressed its deep disappointment and concern over the statement issued by India regarding the arrest and detention of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON leader and spokesperson for the Combined Sanatan Jagaran Front. The statement from New Delhi, which raised concerns about the arrest and the charges of sedition against Das, has been strongly criticized by the Bangladeshi government.
In a press release issued late Tuesday night, the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to India's remarks, which were made following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das in Dhaka. The government of Bangladesh stated that it felt disheartened by how certain parties were misrepresenting the facts about the internal legal matters concerning its sovereignty. Bangladesh emphasized that the Indian statement was not only spreading misinformation but was also contrary to the spirit of friendship and understanding that should exist between the two neighboring countries.
The statement from Bangladesh expressed disappointment over the distortion of facts, especially regarding the arrest of Das, which was carried out under specific charges. The Bangladesh government said, “We are deeply disappointed and saddened by the way some quarters are spreading distorted information following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das. Such baseless statements from India are not only misleading but also go against the spirit of friendship and mutual understanding between our two countries.”
Bangladesh also emphasized that the country has a long-standing tradition of religious harmony, where people of all faiths coexist peacefully. The government's commitment to secularism and its efforts to promote communal harmony were cited as vital aspects of the nation's social fabric. However, the statement added that these values were not reflected in India's response.
The Bangladesh government further highlighted its commitment to ending the culture of impunity for human rights violations, emphasizing that both majority and minority communities are treated equally under the law. The statement pointed out that India’s comments failed to acknowledge the government's consistent efforts to safeguard religious harmony and ensure the protection of religious minorities, which has been reaffirmed through various peaceful religious observances, such as the Durga Puja celebrations held last month.
The Foreign Ministry also clarified that the judiciary in Bangladesh is fully independent, and the government does not interfere in judicial processes. The case of Chinmoy Krishna Das is currently under judicial review, and the government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining religious peace and upholding the rights of every citizen, regardless of their religious identity.
In a separate part of the statement, the Bangladesh government expressed deep concern over the brutal murder of Advocate Saiful Islam Alif in Chattogram on Tuesday afternoon. The authorities have reportedly stepped up security in the port city to maintain religious harmony and prevent further violence.
Regarding the case of Chinmoy Krishna Das, the Foreign Ministry reiterated that his case is a matter for the judiciary, and the government is committed to ensuring that the legal process is followed without interference. “The judicial process is ongoing, and the government respects the independence of the judiciary. The matter is under consideration by the courts, and the government has no role in the court’s proceedings,” the statement clarified.
The Bangladesh government also stated that every Bangladeshi citizen, regardless of their religious background, has the right to freely practice their religion, hold their religious beliefs, and express their opinions without obstruction. The government’s responsibility to ensure the safety of all citizens, particularly religious minorities, was emphasized, and it was noted that this commitment was clearly demonstrated during the peaceful celebrations of Durga Puja last month.
The statement concluded by reaffirming Bangladesh's determination to maintain its secular values, protect its citizens, and ensure that all religious communities can coexist peacefully. It also stressed that the country would continue to work towards fostering a cooperative relationship with its neighbors, based on mutual respect and understanding.
On the legal front, Chinmoy Krishna Das was presented before the Sixth Magistrate Court of Chattogram Metropolitan Magistrate Kazi Shariful Islam on Tuesday. The court, after hearing the charges in the sedition case, denied bail and sent him to jail. The arrest and subsequent legal proceedings have sparked a series of protests, with Das’s supporters calling for his immediate release and protesting against what they view as a politically motivated case.
As the situation unfolds, the Bangladesh government remains firm in its stance that legal matters should be left to the judiciary and that foreign interference in domestic issues should be avoided. The ongoing developments are being closely monitored by both local and international observers, as tensions continue to rise around the case.
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