No systematic attack on Hindus, ISKCON monk arrested on specific charges: Bangladesh at UN forum

“With utter dismay, we note that the arrest of Chinmoy Das has been misconstrued by some speakers, although he was actually arrested on specific charges. The matter is being dealt with by our court of law,” said Tareq Md Ariful Islam, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN and other international organisations in Geneva.

Islam’s comments were made during the 17th session of the Forum on Minority Issues held in Geneva on November 28-29.

Das, the leader of the Hindu group Sammilita Sanatani Jote, was sent to prison, prompting protests by Hindus in several locations, including Dhaka and the port city of Chattogram. India has expressed deep concern over the developments, as a diplomatic row between the two South Asian neighbours escalates.

Some Bangladeshi NGOs and individuals highlighted the situation during the UN session. A representative from the International Forum for Secular Bangladesh (IFSB) described the current state of minority rights in Bangladesh as “very alarming” and a “burning issue.” Referring to Das’ arrest, the representative stated that ISKCON is a peaceful organisation and alleged that Das was detained without any charges against him, adding that police and army personnel were “torturing the minority” community daily.

In response, Islam reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, including minorities. “This has been repeatedly reassured to minority religious leaders by our top leadership and proved time and again in the first 100 days of the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus,” he said.

He attributed the post-August 5 violence in Bangladesh to political and personal factors rather than sectarian issues. “The violence affected people, mostly with partisan political affiliations, almost all of them being Muslims, and only a few from other religious minority groups,” he noted.

The political upheaval followed the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India on August 5 amid protests against her government’s controversial job quota system. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership as Chief Adviser three days later.

Islam dismissed allegations of minority persecution as “exaggerated, unfounded and fake,” accusing certain groups of deliberately spreading misinformation. He added that the Bangladeshi government remains vigilant in maintaining religious harmony and protecting minority rights.

India, meanwhile, has urged the interim government in Bangladesh to fulfil its responsibility to protect all minorities. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told Parliament that India is deeply concerned about the rise in extremist rhetoric and increasing incidents of violence against Hindus, including attacks on temples.

Bangladesh has also expressed concern over violent protests at its Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, urging New Delhi to ensure the safety of all its diplomatic missions in India.

(With Inputs from PTI)