The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a monk of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), alongside growing attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, has sparked strong reactions from Indian political leaders. Many have called for swift intervention from the Narendra Modi government and international authorities.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her support for the central government’s stance on the matter, as reported by news agency ANI. Speaking in the state assembly on Thursday, Mamata Banerjee stated, “We do not want any religion to be harmed. I have already spoken to ISKCON representatives here. Since this involves another country, it is for the central government to take the necessary action. We stand by them in this issue.”
Earlier, Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee and senior leader Saugata Roy condemned the attacks, urging the government to take firm action. “What is happening in Bangladesh is truly unfortunate. The central government must act decisively,” Abhishek Banerjee said.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh also condemned the violence, accusing Bangladesh’s interim government of being “under the control of fundamentalists.” He called on the United Nations to intervene, describing the attacks on Hindus and the arrest of religious leaders as “inhumane and unacceptable.” He further criticized opposition leaders for overlooking the issue, accusing them of double standards when it comes to addressing communal violence.
The incident occurred on Monday, when Bangladesh police arrested ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari near Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The arrest, coupled with the ongoing violence against minorities in Bangladesh, has escalated tensions.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed its “deep concern” over the monk’s denial of bail and urged the Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety and security of its minority communities. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra reinforced India’s position, stating, “We stand firmly with the government on this matter.”
Meanwhile, opposition leaders have criticized the government’s handling of the issue. Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic efforts, stating, “India’s influence in its neighborhood is diminishing. Why is the Prime Minister silent while Hindus in Bangladesh are facing persecution?”