Former Indian footballer Bhaichung Bhutia and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar have strongly condemned the recent attacks on minorities in Bangladesh and the arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das. The incidents have sparked widespread concern over the safety of minority communities in the neighboring country.
Speaking to media, Bhutia expressed his disappointment over the violence against minorities and religious leaders.
“It is very unfortunate, especially the attacks on the religious leaders. The Bangladesh government should look into the matter, and they should take care of the minorities,” he said.
Majumdar, who is also a Union Minister, criticized the ongoing violence, calling it a “shame on humanity.”
“The incidents (in Bangladesh) are shame on humanity. It is an outright attack on Hindus and Hinduism. The Hindus of Bangladesh have been reduced to 8 per cent, and we cannot do anything about it, but the Hindus of India and especially Bengal must learn from this… It has become clear now that Mohammad Yunus is merely a puppet,” said Majumdar.
The Arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das
The situation escalated following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu spiritual leader from ISKCON, on sedition charges. The arrest stems from allegations that he and others hoisted a saffron flag above Bangladesh’s national flag during a Hindu community rally in Chittagong on October 25. The complaint was filed by a local politician on October 31, accusing Das of disrespecting the national flag.
Das remains in custody, with a Bangladeshi court deferring his bail petition hearing to January 2, 2025. According to The Daily Star Bangladesh, the hearing was delayed as the defence lawyer was absent.
“Chattogram Metropolitan Session Judge Saiful Islam set the new date for the hearing,” confirmed Mofizur Rahman, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Prosecution) of the Chittagong Metropolitan Police.
Concerns for Minorities in Bangladesh
The incidents have drawn international attention, highlighting the challenges faced by minorities in Bangladesh. There has been a significant decline in the Hindu population in Bangladesh, with community leaders and activists urging the government to address the systemic issues contributing to violence and discrimination.