India Voices 'Deep Concern' Over Arrest of Hindu Leader Krishna Das Prabhu in Bangladesh

India has expressed "deep concern" over the arrest and denial of bail to Hindu leader Krishna Das Prabhu in Bangladesh, urging authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and other minorities in the country.

Local media in Bangladesh reported that Prabhu, also known as Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, was arrested at Dhaka’s main airport on Monday while en route to Chattogram in southeastern Bangladesh. Prabhu, a prominent Hindu leader and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatan Jagaran Jote group, is also affiliated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).

He faces sedition charges stemming from an October rally in Chattogram, where he allegedly disrespected Bangladesh’s national flag. The rally highlighted concerns over the safety of Hindus and called for stronger protection for minorities in the country.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a statement on Tuesday addressing the incident:

“We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das. This incident comes in the wake of numerous attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh by extremist elements. There have been documented cases of arson, looting of minority homes and businesses, vandalism, and desecration of deities and temples.”

The MEA criticized the situation, saying:

“It is unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these attacks remain at large, charges have been brought against a religious leader engaged in peaceful advocacy for legitimate demands. We are also troubled by reports of violence against minorities protesting the arrest of Shri Das.”

The MEA called on Bangladesh’s authorities to protect the rights of minorities, including their freedom of peaceful assembly and expression.

Protests and Violence in the Aftermath of Arrest

Rezaul Karim Mallik, an official with the Detective Branch of Police in Bangladesh, confirmed Prabhu’s arrest. Following the news, his supporters staged protests in Chattogram and Dhaka, demanding his release. However, tensions escalated when a mob armed with sticks attacked Hindu protesters at Shahbagh intersection near Dhaka University on Monday night.

Kalbela, a Bengali-language daily, reported that the attackers forced the Hindu protesters to leave the area.

Kushal Baran Chakrabarty, who accompanied Prabhu at the time of his arrest, described the ordeal to local media:

“Detectives approached us at the airport and forcibly took Chinmoy Prabhu to a police car. They also confiscated his phone despite resistance. We followed the car to the Detective Branch headquarters on Minto Road in Dhaka,” Chakrabarty recounted.

The incident has drawn widespread attention, amplifying concerns over minority rights and safety in Bangladesh.