ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu has been arrested in Bangladesh following his participation in a protest supporting the Hindu community. The protest took place on November 22 in Rangpur, where Chinmoy Prabhu raised his voice against violence and atrocities faced by Hindus. His arrest was made at Dhaka Airport, with authorities accusing him of sedition.
Rising Violence Against Hindus in Bangladesh
The deteriorating situation for Hindus in Bangladesh is no secret. Reports of violence, including lootings, temple attacks, and even sexual assaults against Hindu women, frequently emerge. Chinmoy Prabhu’s peaceful protest aimed to highlight these ongoing issues, but his arrest indicates the silencing of those who stand against injustice.
Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh: “Government Dividing Hindus”
Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu accused the interim Bangladeshi government of supporting extremist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami, who openly threaten ISKCON devotees. According to him, the government is deliberately dividing Hindus while turning a blind eye to atrocities committed by radical groups.
Temple Attacks and Hindu Exodus
Citing recent attacks, such as the assault on an ISKCON temple in Meherpur and threats to three temples in Chittagong, Chinmoy expressed concerns over the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh. He noted that the growing violence has forced many Hindus to flee to India through West Bengal and Tripura.
Sedition Charges for Speaking the Truth?
Chinmoy and 19 other Hindu leaders now face sedition charges for their efforts to highlight the persecution of Hindus. This has raised questions about whether demanding justice has become a crime in Bangladesh. The government’s crackdown on Hindu leaders and organizations has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights groups and Hindu communities globally.
