The unrest in Bangladesh over arrest of ……..

The arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent leader of Bangladesh’s Hindu minority, has sparked widespread protests and significant unrest across the country. Detained at Dhaka airport on November 27, 2024, Das faces sedition charges related to his participation in rallies advocating for Hindu rights, where he allegedly hoisted a saffron flag above the Bangladeshi national flag. His arrest has intensified concerns about minority rights in Bangladesh, where Hindus often face discrimination and violence.

Das, a former spokesperson for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and head of Pundarik Dham in Chittagong, has been a vocal critic of government inaction against anti-Hindu violence. Following his arrest, large-scale demonstrations erupted in Dhaka, Chittagong, and other cities. Protesters, including members of ISKCON and other Hindu groups, blocked major roads and demanded his immediate release. Clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement have left several people injured and at least one lawyer dead.

The unrest has drawn international attention, with Indian officials expressing concerns over the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh and calling for urgent steps to address the situation. Meanwhile, the Bangladeshi government maintains that Das violated national laws, which critics argue is a pretext to suppress dissent among religious minorities.

The protests highlight ongoing tensions in Bangladesh regarding the treatment of minorities, with activists and organizations urging the government to ensure justice and protect the rights of all communities. The incident also underscores the delicate balance between national sovereignty and human rights advocacy in South Asia.