‘Have upper hand over Bangladesh government’: Congress urges Center to protect minorities in Bangladesh | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Wednesday urged the central government to urge the Bangladesh government to “take necessary steps and ensure security of life and property of minorities in the country”. This came after the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in a sedition case.
“The Indian National Congress expects that the Government of India will persuade the Government of Bangladesh to take necessary steps and ensure the security of lives and properties of minorities in the country,” said Chairman of the Media and Publicity Department of the party, Pawan Khera, in a statement.
“The Indian National Congress expresses its deep concern over the atmosphere of insecurity faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh. The arrest of the ISCKON monk is the latest example,” the statement said.
MEA has also expressed “deep concern” over the arrest and denial of bail, and urged Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and other minority groups in the country.
In response, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry sharply criticized the statement, calling it baseless and against the spirit of friendship between the two nations. Dhaka also reaffirmed its position that it will not interfere with the independent functioning of the country’s judiciary.
Meanwhile, Iskcon has also urged India to take immediate action and work with Bangladesh for the release of the priest. It has strongly rejected allegations linking the organization to terrorist activities worldwide, calling such claims baseless and unacceptable.
A lawyer was killed on Tuesday during violent clashes between security forces and Das supporters. Bangladeshi Sammilita Sanatani spokesperson Jagran Jote was arrested a day earlier at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.