Tripura: Arrest of Prominent Hindu Monk in Bangladesh Sparks Outrage

AGARTALA: Detention of a revered Hindu minority leader, Chinmoy Krishnadas Brahmachari or Krishna Prabhu Das, has drawn widespread condemnation. He is associated with Bangladesh ISKCON.

The man was arrested at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday while no case was yet lodged against him.

The Forum for Protection of Minorities in Bangladesh, with President Subal Kumar Dey, issued a sternly worded letter to Arif Mohammad, Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Agartala, demanding the immediate release of Brahmachari. It appears that his detention is related to his advocacy of minority rights in Bangladesh.

Brahmachari’s work centered on promoting the safety and rights of Hindus and other minority groups in Bangladesh. Subal Kumar Dey described the arrest as “unprecedented and deeply condemnable,” emphasizing that Brahmachari, a monk with no political affiliations, was detained merely for speaking out about minority rights. 

“This act reflects a deeply concerning trend for minorities in Bangladesh,” Dey stated.

The news of the arrest has reverberated across India, especially in Tripura, a state with strong familial and historical ties to Bangladesh. Citizens and organizations voiced fears over the safety of minorities in the neighboring country, with many expressing solidarity with Brahmachari.

"We are concerned that the safety of the Hindus and other minorities of Bangladesh is being put into danger," the Forum pointed out in its letter, elaborating on the rising instability in the state of Tripura, whose citizens often have relatives across the border.

Dey also touched upon the role played by Tripura during the Bangladesh Liberation War, saying such measures were not expected of an otherwise democratic state of Bangladesh.

"This behavior does not match the values of a welfare-oriented democracy," Dey said. The Forum called for Brahmachari's unconditional release and better protection for minority rights.  The letter ended with a stern appeal:  "On behalf of the people of Tripura, we strongly condemn this arrest. We request the dignified release of Brahmachari and demand protection for the rights and safety of minorities in Bangladesh.

The Forum's delegation consisting of executive secretary Arun Nath, Treasurer Pranab Sarkar, and members Jayanta Bhattacharjee, Manas Paul, and Sanjoy Paul made the plea for urgent intervention.

Now that the incident gets international attention, the focus goes on the Bangladesh High Commission and then the government. The cause is being raised in a context that has put forth urgency over minority rights and then demands global advocacy for safeguarding them in Bangladesh.

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