Foreign Ministry scolds Bangladesh on the arrest of Chinmay Prabhu, demands safety of Hindus

The Foreign Ministry on Tuesday condemned the arrest and denial of bail to Hindu religious leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu and urged Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety of religious minority Hindus in the country. The Foreign Ministry’s strong comment came after Prabhu, who has led several protests over atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, was arrested by the detective branch of Dhaka Police at Dhaka airport on November 25. The statement said it is unfortunate that the perpetrators of these incidents are still roaming free, but charges have been filed against a religious leader who raised legitimate demands through peaceful meetings.

We urge the Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety of Hindus and all minorities, including the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression, the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official statement. The ministry underlined that Prabhu’s arrest follows incidents related to attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. It clearly states that there are many documented cases of arson and looting of minority homes and business establishments as well as theft and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples.

The ministry also expressed concern over attacks on members of a religious minority group who were peacefully protesting for Prabhu’s release. Prabhu was associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) for many years and has served as a spokesperson for the Society. On several occasions, Prabhu has spoken out against acts of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh and called out the practice of religious discrimination. ISKCON temple officials, who had earlier urged the Indian government to intervene in the matter and talk to the Bangladesh government, appreciated the Indian government’s move to condemn Prabhu’s arrest.