The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) has written a letter to U.S. President Joe Biden, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, voicing serious concerns about the escalating human rights violations aimed at religious minorities in Bangladesh.
The arrest of Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das on sedition charges has sparked protests among the Hindu minority community and heightened fears of further “marginalization and oppression.” Hindu minority communities have been under attack since the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5th.
Following the arrest of Krishna Das, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Bangladesh, in its statement noted, “We express our serious concern and strongly denounce the recent arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jagaran Jot. We also condemn the subsequent violence and attacks against Sanatanis in various regions of Bangladesh. We urge the government authorities, to promote peaceful coexistence for the Sanatani community.”
The letter by President and Chief of Policy and Strategy, Khanderao Kand, also addressed to Ambassador, International Religious Freedom, Rashad Hussain, and Executive Director of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, Erin D. Singshinsuk, highlighted the ongoing plight of Hindu minority groups, and ISKCON – a Hindu minority sect.
The letter described ISKCON as “a symbol of peace and religious harmony, renowned for its humanitarian efforts worldwide.” The letter further pointed out that ISKCON has played a key role in providing disaster relief and food security, despite facing ongoing hostility in Bangladesh.
FIIDS noted with alarm that a petition to ban ISKCON has been filed in Bangladesh High Court, with government representatives backing what they called an unfounded and baseless claim. The Bangladeshi Attorney General referred to ISKCON as a “religious fundamentalist organization,” during court proceedings on November 27th.
As such, FIIDS urged the United States to take action regarding the urgent situation in Bangladesh. In its letter, FIIDS has made a number of recommendations to the United States to urge Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor, Yunus Mohammed: to release Chinmoy Krishna Das, protect minority communities, and uphold secular principles; Call for an independent inquiry into violence against minorities and the decline of the Hindu population; Prioritize the protection of religious minorities and human rights through U.S. diplomacy and international forums; Urge Bangladesh to reaffirm its secular framework amidst reports of efforts to establish an Islamic state; and Support multilateral efforts, including UN forums, to monitor human rights in Bangladesh.
“Bangladesh’s progress as a democratic and inclusive society depends on safeguarding the rights of all its citizens, including its most vulnerable populations. We trust that your leadership will champion these values and help restore hope for those who continue to face oppression and displacement,” it added.
India’s Foreign Ministry also has condemned the arrest of Krishna Das noting that “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. We also note with concern the attacks on minorities protesting peacefully against the arrest of Shri Das.”
In response, the Foreign Ministry of Bangladesh in its statement emphasized, “It is with utter dismay and deep sense of hurt that the Government of Bangladesh notes that the arrest of Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das has been misconstrued by certain quarters since Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das has been arrested on specific charges,” adding that the Government of Bangladesh asserts that such baseless statements not only distort the facts but also undermine the spirit of friendship and mutual understanding between the two neighboring nations.
Several political, religious, and spiritual leaders have expressed significant concern regarding the arrest of Krishna Das.
Globally renowned Spiritual Guru, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar told DD India, “It is unbecoming a prime minister of a neighboring country to arrest a spiritual leader,” adding “I hope government of India also puts pressure, 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.”
