JMB Cadre Active in Bangladesh; Minorities May Face Violence in Jail

Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government, Bangladesh has been witnessing a slew of religious attacks targeting minorities. Concerns have also been raised against the targeted attacks following the arrest of Hindu priest and ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in the country.

Minorities especially Hindus are not only unsafe on the streets, but also in jails as the overall security is in dire straits. Sources claim that various JMB (Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh) cadres are fueling attacks on minorities while also targeting them in jails.

As per reports, JMB leaders have managed to come out of jail and are likely to have orchestrated acts of vandalism.

Yudhistar Das, the Communications Chief of ISCKON in India said the organisation was “highly concerned about the personal safety of Chinmoy Krishna Das"

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the arrest and denial of bail to Hindu religious leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu while also calling out Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety of Hindus.

Prabhu was arrested by Dhaka Police’s Detective Branch on November 25, after leading multiple protests over alleged atrocities against the Hindu community.

As per a government official, mob attacks have increased significantly over the last four weeks.

A source said, “In two separate incidents in August, around 700 inmates managed to escape from jail. Many of them were JMB sympathisers or leaders. After the exit of Sheikh Hasina from Bangladesh, these cadres and other outfits started targeting Hindus and other minorities. It is likely that minorities, especially Hindus, could also be targeted in jails, in addition to the streets.”

Notably, JMB has also been held responsible for conducting multiple attacks in India and abroad.