Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on Monday (Nov 25) under charges of sedition while travelling from Dhaka to Chittagong by men in plain clothes who identified themselves as Bangladeshi police detectives.
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed serious concern over the incident.
In an official statement, the ministry said, "We urge the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities. We also note with concern the attacks on minorities protesting peacefully against the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das."
"We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote.
This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh," the statement read.
The MEA noted that there are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities' homes and business establishments, as well as theft, vandalism and desecration of deities and temples in Bangladesh.
"It is unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, charges should be pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings," MEA said.
Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Ministry said that India's statement didn't "reflect the harmony" that existed between people of all faiths and commitment in Bangladesh and "the efforts of the government and the people in this regard".
It said that every Bangladeshi citizen, irrespective of their religious identity, had the right to establish, maintain or perform religious rituals or express views "without hindrance".
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