After Chinmoy Das, Another Hindu Priest Arrested In Bangladesh

Days after the arrest of spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, another Hindu priest named Shyam Das Prabhu was arrested in Bangladesh's Chattogram on Saturday.

ISKCON Kolkata spokesperson and Vice President Radharamn Das confirmed the arrest on social media, sparking outrage among followers and activists.

Taking to the platform X, Radharamn Das expressed his dismay, sharing a photograph of the arrested priest with the caption, "Does he look like a terrorist? #FreeISKCONMonks Bangladesh. The arrest of innocent #ISKCON brahmacharis is deeply shocking and disturbing."

Chinmoy Krishna Das, whose arrest on sedition charges earlier this week led to widespread protests across Bangladesh and India, remains in custody after being denied bail by a Chattogram court. India has since voiced "deep concern" over the developments, urging the Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety and security of its minority Hindu population.

The situation has highlighted the precarious position of Bangladesh's Hindu minority, which constitutes just 8% of the nation's 170 million people. Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government on August 5, over 200 reported attacks on Hindus have occurred across more than 50 districts, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty.

On Friday, tensions further escalated as a mob targeted three Hindu temples in Chattogram, vandalizing the Shantaneshwari Matri Temple, Shoni Temple, and Shantaneshwari Kalibari Temple. Witnesses reported that the mob, chanting anti-Hindu and anti-ISKCON slogans, hurled brickbats and damaged temple structures. The Shoni Temple was significantly damaged, and gates of the other two temples were also affected.

Kotwali Police Station chief Abdul Karim confirmed the attacks, stating that assailants attempted to destroy the temples. Local authorities are on high alert as the unrest continues to spread.

In a further blow to ISKCON-linked individuals, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has frozen the bank accounts of 17 people associated with the organization, including Chinmoy Krishna Das. The freeze order, issued on Thursday, will remain in effect for 30 days, impacting several financial institutions across the country, according to the Prothom Alo newspaper.

While the Bangladeshi government has assured a fair trial for Chinmoy Krishna Das, as stated by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus' press secretary Shafikul Islam, the arrests and increasing violence against the Hindu community have drawn widespread criticism. Protesters are demanding immediate action to protect the rights of minorities and ensure justice for those wrongfully detained.