The Hindus in Bangladesh continue to suffer under the oppressive Yunus regime, as Bangladesh continues to pander to the Islamists and radicals. The Hindu community in Bangladesh has been suffering since the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government was ousted by contrived protests and the leader was forced to flee from the country. Now Hindu priests and temples are not safe from the mobs that have gone amuck against the minority community. Chinmoy Das Prabhu, a priest of ISKCON has become the prime target, having been detained and taken to an undisclosed location by the Bangladesh authorities on the charges of sedition. There has been outrage across the world over this incident, as Hindu rights groups call on international governments and bodies to act and protect the Hindu minority.

Since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, Muhammad Yunus was called in from the United States to take charge of the interim Bangladesh government. In the few months hence the Yunus regime has sat back and allowed Islamist radicals to ride roughshod over the country targeting Hindus and ransacking their homes and businesses. Entire Hindu villages and areas have been purged as more and more radical outfits join in on the suppression. Now there are even calls to put a ban on Hindu organizations in the country. The apprehensions about the oppressive Yunus regime continue to grow as there are now calls from international bodies across continents for countries to intervene and stop the oppression of the minority Hindu community.

The controversy has snowballed since the Bangladesh authorities detained Hindu priest Chinmoy Das Prabhu. Das is a Hindu priest and frequently referred to as the President of the Pundarik Dham in Bangladesh, he is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jagaran Jot. The Pundarik Dham in Chattogram is considered one of the two holiest pilgrimage places for Hindus in Bangladesh. Chinmoy has also been associated with ISKCON although it seems that the Hindu organization has distanced itself from the steadfast priest.

“ISKCON bears no responsibility for the actions or statements of Chinmoy Krishna Das,” Charu Chandra Das said during the press conference. “Several months ago, Leelaraj Gour Das, head of Prabartak Sri Krishna Mandir, Gaurang Das, and Chinmoy Krishna Das, head of Sri Sri Pundarik Dham in Chittagong, were removed from their positions and all organizational activities within ISKCON due to violations of discipline. It was clearly stated that their actions are not representative of ISKCON,” Charu Chandra added.

Meanwhile the Bangladesh High Court on Thursday refused to pass an order to ban the activities of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in the country.

Hindu groups protest

Meanwhile Hindu groups across the world are rallying in support of Chinmoy Krishna Das. Journalist Aditya Raj Kaul posted on X, on how Hindu rights groups are protesting in New York over the detaining of Chinmoy Das, “Protest in New York against the arrest of Hindu saint Chinmoy Krishna Das by the Bangladesh Government under pressure of Islamist radicals. Hindu community in United States comes out in support of ISKCON and the Hindu Minority of Bangladesh.”

There have been protests as far as Helsinki, Finland, in support of Chinmoy Krishna Das. “Hindus come out in Helsinki, Finland in harsh weather to support Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das and ISKCON who are suffering human rights violations and suppression of religious freedom from Islamist radical forces in Bangladesh Government.” Raj Kaul wrote.

Bangladeshi Hindu rights groups have also come out and requested the international community to speak for the oppressed Hindus in the country. One such account, ‘Voice for Bangladeshi Hindus’ requested Donald Trump to take action, posting on X the account wrote, “Dear President Trump, I am a Bangladeshi Hindu. Currently, the Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian minorities in Bangladesh are facing genocide. People from the Hindu community are hiding in their homes, and they are being taken away by law enforcement forces.”

The account also elaborated on Yunus’ role in the targeting of Hindus, “Bangladesh’s current government leader Md Yunus is orchestrating attacks on Hindu minorities. Temples and churches are under assault, with homes being set ablaze, Hindu women are being raped, many Hindus have been victims of mob lynching. This is a clear violation of human rights. The innocent Hindu religious leader Chinmoy Krishna has been arrested for merely demanding rights. We, the minorities of Bangladesh, seek your help. We urge intervention to restore peace in Bangladesh.”

American singer and actress Mary Millben has also come out in support of the Hindu community, “The imprisonment of Chinmoy Krishna Das and the continued attacks against Hindus and other minorities by extremist in Bangladesh must be addressed now by world leaders. We must preserve religious freedom, and the safety of all people of faith globally.”

Statement by the MEA

India too has expressed its deep concerns over the arrest of Chinmoy. In a statement, the MEA said, “We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities’ homes and business establishments, as well as theft and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples.”

“It is unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, charges should be pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings. We also note with concern the attacks on minorities protesting peacefully against the arrest of Shri Das. We urge Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression,” it added.