India ‘concerned’ over monk’s arrest; domestic affairs: Bangladesh | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Tensions between India and Bangladesh over the security of minorities, especially Hindus, further escalated on Tuesday, with New Delhi criticizing the interim government in Dhaka over the arrest of Iskcon priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari and the Yunus government accused India of violating the spirit of friendship and understanding between the two countries.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in an official statement expressed “deep concern” over the arrest of the religious leader in Bangladesh, saying that while the perpetrators of violence against Hindus and other minorities remained at large, charges were pending against him submitted. for advancing legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings.
Bangladesh hit back later in the evening, calling the issue an “internal matter” and saying such “baseless” statements not only misrepresent the facts but are also “contrary to the spirit of friendship and understanding between the two neighboring countries”. The interim government also doubled down on charges against Chinmoy Krishna, saying the country’s judiciary is fully independent and does not interfere in the work of the judiciary.
The Indian government, which has repeatedly discussed the issue of security of minority communities with the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in Dhaka, has also asked the Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all other minorities, including their right on freedom of freedom. peaceful gathering and expression.
“We have noted with great concern the arrest and denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of Bengal Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. This incident follows multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh,” the spokesperson said. The Indian government said this in a statement.
“There have been several documented cases of arson and looting of homes and business establishments of minorities, as well as theft, vandalism and desecration of deities and temples,” it added.
Following the Indian statement, Bangladesh said: “It is with utmost dismay and a deep sense of pain that the Government of Bangladesh notes that the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das has been misinterpreted by certain quarters since he was arrested on specific charges. “
“Such baseless statements” not only misrepresent facts but are also contrary to the spirit of friendship and understanding between the two neighboring countries, the report said in a statement, noting that this is a “matter concerning internal affairs of Bangladesh”.
Despite India’s concerns, authorities in Dhaka, including chief adviser Muhammad Yunus himself, have insisted that reports of violence against minorities are exaggerated.
The Indian government said: “We also note with concern the attacks on minorities peacefully protesting the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna. We urge the authorities of Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression. .”