India backs ISKCON, asks Bangladesh to protect minorities

On the recent arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former member of ISKCON Bangladesh, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India expected him to receive a fair and transparent trial.

ISKCON monks and followers hold protests in Kolkata, West Bengal. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

Amid calls for a ban on ISKCON in Bangladesh, India Friday backed the organisation and called on the Bangladesh government to ensure the protection of all minorities in the country.

Speaking during a press briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had conveyed its concern over the attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.

“Our position on the matter is clear – the interim government must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities. We are concerned at the surge of extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence and provocation. These developments cannot be dismissed only as media exaggeration. ISKCON is a globally well-regarded organisation with a strong record of social service. We once again call upon Bangladesh to take all steps for the protection of minorities,” he said.

On the recent arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former member of ISKCON Bangladesh, Jaiswal said India expected him to receive a fair and transparent trial.

“While we know that the case moves on, legal processes are underway, it is our expectation that he [Das] will get a fair and transparent trial and that his legal rights will be respected,” he said.

The MEA had on Tuesday issued a statement expressing concern over the arrest and denial of bail to Das, who is the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote.

Since his arrest, ISKCON Bangladesh has clarified that Das does not officially represent the organisation, but it supports his rights. On Thursday, the Bangladesh Supreme Court rejected a plea to ban ISKCON.

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