Bangladesh defends arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, dismisses India’s concerns as 'unfounded'
Dhaka: Amid a global outrage over the arrest of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das and a strong reaction by New Delhi, Bangladesh has called India’s statement over the arrest of the Hindu monk "unfounded" and "contrary to the spirit of friendship".
Addressing India's remarks on the matter, Bangladesh stated that the monk's arrest had been "misconstrued by certain quarters" and described India's statement as "unfounded" and "contrary to the spirit of friendship."
"The Government of Bangladesh maintains that such unfounded statements not only misrepresent facts but also stand contrary to the spirit of Friendship and understanding between the two neighbouring countries," Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
As persecution of Hindus continue unabated in post-Sheikh Hasina Bangladesh, Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on Monday on sedition charges while traveling from Dhaka to Chittagong. The arrest was carried out by men in plain clothes who identified themselves as Bangladeshi police detectives.
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed serious concern over the incident. In an official statement, the ministry said, "We urge the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities. We also note with concern the attacks on minorities protesting peacefully against the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das."
Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that India's remarks failed to "reflect the harmony" among people of all faiths in Bangladesh and the nation's commitment to fostering this harmony.
The ministry emphasized that every Bangladeshi citizen, regardless of their religious identity, has the right to practice, maintain, or express their religious beliefs and rituals "without hindrance."
"Ensuring safety and security of all citizens, particularly the members of religious minorities remains a duty of the Government of Bangladesh. This was yet again vindicated by the peaceful observance of Durga Puja throughout Bangladesh only last month," the country's Foreign Affairs Ministry said.
The ministry further asserted that Bangladesh's judiciary is "fully independent" and operates without any interference from the government.
"The matter under question is at present being dealt with by the court of law," the ministry added.
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