Lagatar24 Desk
Washington: US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has condemned the recent wave of violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh following the arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari. In a strongly worded statement, he called on the Bangladeshi government to uphold human rights, ensure legal protections, and end the ongoing unrest.
“The ongoing violence against Hindus and others across Bangladesh is unacceptable and must end immediately. I strongly urge the government of Bangladesh to take decisive steps to reduce tensions peacefully now,” the Illinois Congressman said.
Krishnamoorthi emphasized the importance of safeguarding peaceful protests and providing proper legal representation to those arrested. He urged the Bangladeshi government to prioritize de-escalation through lawful and fair measures.
Protests and Clashes Spark Unrest
The tensions began after sedition charges were filed against Chinmoy Krishna Das for allegedly raising a saffron flag above Bangladesh’s national flag in Chittagong on October 25. His arrest on November 25 led to widespread protests, culminating in violent clashes outside the Chattogram Court Building on November 27, resulting in the death of a lawyer.
The situation deteriorated further after two ISKCON monks, Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari, were arrested on November 29 while visiting Chinmoy Krishna Das in custody. ISKCON Kolkata reported that rioters vandalized one of its centers in Bangladesh during the unrest.
Condemnation from Rights Groups
The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council criticized the charges filed against 70 minority lawyers and two journalists, labeling them as “false and harassing cases” aimed at suppressing dissent and news coverage related to the sedition case. The council has demanded the immediate withdrawal of these cases.
India Expresses Concern
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has expressed concern over the rising violence and extremist rhetoric in Bangladesh, reiterating its stance against targeted attacks on minorities. It emphasized that such issues have been consistently raised with Dhaka.
