Sheikh Hasina slams Hindu monk's arrest in Bangladesh
Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das's arrest in Bangladesh has ignited a diplomatic rift between India and Bangladesh.
The Modo government haa condemned the attacks on minorities who had gathered to protest Das's arrest. "We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement
Former Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August following violent student protests, condemned the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das and demanded his immediate release.
She also flagged attacks on mosques, shrines, churches in recent months.
"A top leader of the Sanatan religious community has been unjustly arrested. He must be released immediately," she said.
A temple has been burnt in Chittagong. Previously, mosques, shrines, churches, monasteries and homes of the Ahmadiyya community were attacked, vandalised and looted and set on fire.
Religious freedom and security of life and property of people of all communities should be ensured," Hasina said in a statement released by her Awami League party.
On Tuesday, a lawyer, identified as assistant public prosecutor Saiful Islam, was killed during violent clashes between the security forces and followers of Chinmoy Krishna Das, the police said.
The protest broke out after Das was denied bail by the Chittagong court in a sedition case.
Calling for justice, she said, "I am expressing strong protest against this murder. Those involved in this murder will have to be found and punished quickly."
Sheikh Hasina accused the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, which she described as having unconstitutionally seized power, of failing to protect human rights.
“Human rights have been severely violated through this incident,” she said.
“A lawyer had gone to fulfil his professional duties, and he was beaten to death in this manner. They are terrorists. Whoever they are, they will be punished,” she added.
She warned the government of consequences if justice is not served. “If the government, which has unconstitutionally seized power, fails to punish these terrorists, then it will also have to face punishment for violating human rights,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina urged citizens to unite against violence and insecurity. “I appeal to the countrymen; everyone should stand against this kind of terror. Stand united,” she said.
“It is important to ensure the safety of life and property of common people. The present power grabbers are showing failure in every field.”
Referring to incidents of religious violence, she said, “A temple has been demolished in Chittagong. Earlier, mosques, shrines, churches, monasteries, and houses of the Ahmadiyya community were attacked and destroyed. They were looted and set on fire.”
She called for the protection of religious freedom and the security of life and property for all communities.
Sheikh Hasina further criticized the government for its handling of security and law enforcement. “After killing countless Awami League leaders, students, and public and law enforcement officers, terrorism is done through assault, case, and arrest,” she said. “I strongly condemn and protest against the plaintiff's actions.”
On Monday, the police arrested Das from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport as he was about to travel to Chattogram to join a rally.
Das was arrested on charges of disrespecting the Bangladeshi flag during a rally he addressed in October, according to Bangladeshi media reports.
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