'Prevail upon Bangladesh government': Congress urges Centre to safeguard minorities in Bangladesh

NEW DELHI: Congress on Wednesday urged the central government to urge Bangladesh government "to take necessary steps and ensure security of life and property of minorities in the country." This came after the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in a sedition case.

"The Indian National Congress expects the government of India to prevail upon the Bangladesh government to take necessary steps and ensure security of life and property of minorities in the country," chairman of party's media and publicity department Pawan Khera said in a statement.

"The Indian National Congress expresses its deep concern at the atmosphere of insecurity being faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh. The arrest of the ISCKON monk is the latest example," the statement read.

MEA has also expressed "deep concern" over the arrest and denial of bail, urging Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and other minority groups in the country.

In response, Bangladesh's ministry of foreign affairs sharply criticized the statement, calling it unfounded and contrary to the spirit of friendship between the two nations. Dhaka also reaffirmed its stance that it does not interfere in the independent workings of the country's judiciary.

Meanwhile, Iskcon has also urged India to take immediate action and engage with Bangladesh for the release of the priest. It has vehemently rejected allegations linking the organization to terrorist activities globally, calling such claims unfounded and unacceptable.

A lawyer was killed on Tuesday during violent clashes between security forces and followers of Das. The spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, had been arrested a day earlier at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.