Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar strongly criticized the arrest of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das by Bangladeshi authorities, calling it detrimental to the country’s image and well-being. He stated that the arrest of the Hindu priest, who was raising awareness about atrocities against minorities, was “unbecoming of a Prime Minister.”
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Remarks
Speaking on the issue, Ravi Shankar said:
“It is unbecoming of a Prime Minister of a neighbouring country to arrest a spiritual leader. He is not taking weapons, he is not taking guns, he is caring for his people. He is just standing up for the rights and wants the government to hear the atrocities that are happening to the minorities there. Arresting religious priests is not going to do any good to them or to the people or the country or even to the image of Bangladesh.”
He also expressed disappointment in Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor to the interim Bangladeshi government, for allowing such actions.
“We expect much more from Professor Muhammad Yunus, who has got the Nobel Peace Prize for bringing peace and security to people. We will not expect him to take such action which would further create more tension between the communities and fear.”
Call for Reforms and Support
Ravi Shankar urged the Bangladeshi government to address the plight of minorities and curb the influence of radical elements.
“We request the government of Bangladesh to please take care of their minorities and control the radical elements that are ransacking your own country and its image. Bangladesh has been known as a very liberal and progressive country. Do you want to take the country backwards? It’s a very sorry state of affairs,” he said.
Additionally, he appealed to the Indian government and the international community to exert pressure on Bangladesh to ensure minority safety and security.
“I hope the government of India also puts pressure, and I call for the international community to not let this go the way it is going and put pressure to bring security and safety to the minorities and make people safe there,” Ravi Shankar added.
Chinmoy Krishna Das’s Case
Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on Monday on charges of sedition and brought to Chittagong by road. On Tuesday, the Chittagong Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court, presided over by Judge Kazi Shariful Islam, rejected his bail plea and sent him to custody.
According to Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) Additional Deputy Commissioner Kazi Md Tarek Aziz, the case against Chinmoy Krishna Das was registered at Kotwali police station.