Protest For Chinmoy Krishna Das' Release: Bangladesh Police Use Tear Gas, Batons Sticks On Hindu Protesters

Bangladesh police used tear gas and batons on Hindu protesters in Dhaka and Chittagong. The protests erupted following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a notable Hindu religious leader. India has urged Bangladesh to ensure the safety of Hindus and other minorities amidst these tensions.

Chinmoy Krishna Das, linked with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), was detained at Dhaka airport on Monday. He faces charges including sedition, which have sparked widespread protests from his supporters. Concerns about the treatment of Hindus and religious minorities have been raised.

Protests and Police Response

The situation escalated when over 2,000 supporters blocked a police van transporting Das back to jail. They surrounded the vehicle for more than two hours in Chittagong. Chittagong Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasib Aziz described the scene as chaotic, noting that protesters "went on a rampage" by throwing bricks at officers.

"They went on a rampage, throwing bricks at us. To disperse the crowd, we had to fire tear gas. No one was seriously injured, but one of our constables was hurt," Aziz told Reuters.

India's Concerns

India expressed deep concern over the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh following these events. On Tuesday, India urged Bangladeshi authorities to ensure their protection. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted multiple attacks on minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh.

The ministry noted "several documented cases" involving arson, looting, theft, vandalism, and desecration of deities and temples targeting minorities. They stated it is "unfortunate" that while perpetrators remain free, charges are pressed against a religious leader advocating through peaceful means.

Background on Minority Attacks

Since Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government fell on August 5, minority Hindus have faced over 200 attacks across more than 50 districts in Bangladesh. Hindus make up about 8% of Bangladesh's 170 million population.

Das's arrest relates to his involvement in an October rally in Chittagong where he allegedly disrespected Bangladesh's national flag. The protest turned violent, leading to his bail denial by a Chittagong court on Tuesday.

The unrest surrounding Chinmoy Krishna Das's arrest highlights ongoing concerns about minority rights and safety in Bangladesh. India's call for action underscores the regional implications of these tensions.