ছবি: Photo: Collected
Tensions have escalated between Bangladesh and India as West Bengal’s Opposition Leader and BJP spokesperson Suvendu Adhikari issued a stern warning to Bangladesh following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a religious leader and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha. Adhikari threatened a border blockade and protests in Kolkata if the detained leader is not released immediately.
BJP's Reaction to the Arrest
Chinmoy Krishna Das was detained by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police on Monday afternoon (November 25) from the capital's airport area and was later shown as formally arrested. This prompted an immediate reaction from Suvendu Adhikari, who alleged religious persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh.
Speaking to the media on Monday night, Adhikari declared, "If Chinmoy Krishna Das is not released by tonight, Sanatan followers will block the border starting tomorrow. No services or goods will enter Bangladesh through West Bengal. Additionally, we will hold continuous protests in front of the Bangladeshi Deputy High Commission in Kolkata."
Adhikari further claimed that Bangladesh's interim government is oppressing Hindus and targeted Chinmoy Krishna Das, labeling him a leader for the survival of Hindu minorities in the country.
Arrest Linked to Allegations of National Flag Desecration
The controversy stems from an October 25 rally in Chattogram, organized by the Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha, where Chinmoy Krishna Das serves as a spokesperson. Following the event, accusations were made that the country’s national flag was disrespected.
On October 30, a sedition case was filed at the Kotwali Police Station in Chattogram by a local resident, Firoz Khan. The case named Chinmoy Krishna Das and 18 others, accusing them of desecrating the national flag. Two other individuals, Rajesh Chowdhury and Hriday Das, have already been arrested in connection with this case.
ISKCON Bangladesh’s Disassociation
In a surprising development, ISKCON Bangladesh (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) recently disassociated itself from Chinmoy Krishna Das, removing him from its organization. This disavowal has further complicated the situation, leaving him without the support of one of the largest Hindu organizations in the region.
Rising Tensions at the Border
Suvendu Adhikari's threats of a border blockade highlight growing concerns over India-Bangladesh relations. Adhikari also expressed frustration over alleged suppression of Hindus in Bangladesh, saying, "We are deeply concerned and pained by the continued oppression of Hindus in Bangladesh. This cannot be tolerated any longer."
The threat to blockade services entering Bangladesh through West Bengal could have significant implications for bilateral trade and diplomacy, particularly if the situation escalates.
Broader Implications of the Arrest
The arrest has spotlighted new Hindu-right organizations in Bangladesh, such as the Sanatan Jagaran Mancha and the Bangladesh Sanatan United Awakening Alliance. These groups have been actively organizing programs under the banner of minority rights.
Meanwhile, the Bangladeshi government remains firm on enforcing the rule of law, citing the seriousness of the national flag desecration allegations. Law enforcement agencies have already detained several individuals linked to the case, emphasizing their commitment to upholding national integrity.
As tensions rise, the coming days will reveal whether diplomatic channels can prevent a potential standoff or if the threats of border blockades and protests materialize, exacerbating regional tensions.
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