Hasina criticised the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, demanding his immediate release.
“A prominent Hindu community leader has been wrongfully detained. He must be released without delay,” she said. (FILE)
Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday condemned the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh and called for his immediate release.
Terming the arrest “unjust”, Hasina, in a statement shared by Awami League on Facebook, said:
“A top leader of Sanatan religious community has been unjustly arrested, he must be released immediately.”
Citing incidents of attacks on places of worship, she stated that the government should ensure religious freedom and security of people’s life and property. “A temple has been burnt in Chittagong. Previously, mosques, shrines, churches, monasteries and homes of the Ahmadiyya community were attacked, vandalized and looted and set on fire. Religious freedom and security of life and property of people of all communities should be ensured,” she said.
Hasina also criticised the murder of a lawyer in Chittagong and sought justice for those involved at the earliest. “I strongly protest this murder. Those responsible must be found and punished without delay.”
The lawyer, identified as Assistant Public Prosecutor Saiful Islam, was killed on Tuesday during violent clashes between security forces and followers of Chinmoy Krishna Das. The unrest erupted after Das was denied bail by a Chittagong court in a sedition case, according to police reports.
The former prime minister urged citizens to stand united against violence and insecurity. “I appeal to everyone in the country to stand against this kind of terror. It is vital to ensure the safety and security of the public’s lives and property,” she added, accusing the current administration of widespread failure in governance.
Hasina said the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government that has “unconstitutionally usurped power in the country” would face action for human rights violation if it fails to punish the perpetrators. “A lawyer fulfilling his professional duties was beaten to death. This is an act of terrorism, and those involved will face justice,” she asserted.
Das was arrested on Monday at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka while en route to Chattogram to attend a rally. The charges against him stem from allegations that he disrespected the Bangladeshi flag during a rally in October.
The arrest has sparked a diplomatic dispute between India and Bangladesh. On Tuesday, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed concern over the situation, stating: “We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das.” The Indian government also condemned attacks on minorities protesting Das’s arrest.
