India 'concerned' over monk's arrest; internal affair: Bangladesh

NEW DELHI: Tensions between India and Bangladesh over the safety of minorities, particularly Hindus, escalated further on Tuesday with New Delhi slamming the interim govt in Dhaka for the arrest of Iskcon priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari and the Yunus govt accusing India of violating the spirit of friendship and understanding between the two countries.

India's ministry of external affairs (MEA), in an official statement, expressed "deep concern" over the arrest of the religious leader in Bangladesh, saying while the perpetrators of violence against Hindus and other minorities remained at large, charges were being pressed against him for presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings.

Bangladesh hit back later in the evening calling the issue an "internal affair", and saying that such "unfounded" statements not only misrepresent facts but also "stand contrary to the spirit of friendship and understanding between the two neighbouring countries". The interim govt also doubled down on the charges against Chinmoy Krishna saying the country's judiciary is fully independent and it does not interfere in the work of the judiciary.

The Indian govt, which has repeatedly taken up the issue of safety of minority communities with the Muhammad Yunus-led interim govt in Dhaka, also asked Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all other minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression.

"We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to 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," the Indian govt said in a statement.

"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 added.

Following the Indian statement, Bangladesh said, "It is with utter dismay and deep sense of hurt that the govt of Bangladesh notes that the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das has been misconstrued by certain quarters since he has been arrested on specific charges."

"Such unfounded statements" not only misrepresent facts but also stand contrary to the spirit of friendship and understanding between the two neighbouring countries, it said in a statement, noting that this was a "matter concerning internal affairs of Bangladesh".

Despite concerns raised by India, authorities in Dhaka, including chief adviser Muhammad Yunus himself, have maintained that reports about violence against minorities are exaggerated.

The Indian govt said, "We also note with concern the attacks on minorities protesting peacefully against the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna. 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."