‘Internal matter, committed to…’: Bangladesh reacts to India’s concern over Hindu Priest Chinmoy Krishna Das’ arrest

Chinmoy Krishna Das' arrest: The government of Bangladesh on Tuesday reacted to concerns raised by India over the arrest of priest Chinmoy Krishna Das and safety of Hindu in the neighbouring country, and termed it matter concerning internal affairs, while stating that the arrest has been misconstrued by certain quarters.

Das, the leader of Hindu group 'Sammilita Sanatani Jote', was on Monday arrested from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport area in Dhaka by Bangladesh Police.

Reacting to Indian's remarks, Bangladesh said that their government maintains that such unfounded statements not only misrepresent facts but also stand contrary to the spirit of friendship and understanding between the two neighbourning countries.

“The Government of Bangladesh would like to reiterate that the country's judiciary is fully independent and it does not interfere in the work of the judiciary. The matter under question is at present being dealt with by the court of law,” reads the statement.

“The Government of Bangladesh is also committed to upholding communal harmony in the country,” said the neighbouring country.

Here's what Bangladesh said

Attention of the Government of Bangladesh has been drawn to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs of India to the media today (26 November 2024) on a matter concerning internal affairs of Bangladesh.

The statement also does not reflect the harmony that exists among the peoples of all faiths and the commitment and the efforts of the government and the people in this regard.

It also completely disregards that the Government of Bangladesh is determined to conclusively end the culture of impunity to the perpetrators of gross human rights violations against the people of Bangladesh, thus treating the religious majority and minorities alike.

Bangladesh reaffirms in the strongest terms that every Bangladeshi, regardless of his or her religious identity, has the right to establish, maintain or perform respective religious rituals and practices or express views 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 Government of Bangladesh is also committed to upholding communal harmony in the country. The Government of Bangladesh is deeply concerned over the brutal killing of Advocate Saiful Islam Alif this afternoon in Chattogram. Authorities have stepped up security in the port city to ensure that religious harmony is maintained at any cost.