68 Eminent Persons Including Retired High Court Judge Write To PM Modi About Violence Against Hindus In Bangladesh After Arrest Of ISKCON Priest Chinmoy Krishna Das
In an urgent appeal addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi a group of 68 eminent persons including a retired Judge of the High Court, retired IAS, IPS, IRS, IIS and IFS officers, along with a sitting Member of Parliament, have sought the government's intervention in the matter of atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, including the arrest of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das on allegedly fabricated sedition charges.
The letter highlights the "systematic attacks" on Hindus, their religious sites, properties, and dignity, which have reportedly reached "unprecedented levels."
ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was arrested by police on Monday. On Wednesday, a lawyer filed a petition before the Bangladesh High Court seeking a ban on ISKCON. The lawyer has reportedly cited the death of an assistant public prosecutor during clashes between police and supporters of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari after he was denied bail. In the said case, the Attorney General of Bangladesh is reported to have told the Court that ISKCON is a "religious fundamentalist organisation" and that the government is "scrutinising" its activities.
The present letter has been signed by several distinguished individuals, including Justice Raghvendra Singh Rathore, retired Judge of the Rajasthan High Court and Shesh Paul Vaid, former Director General of Police, Jammu & Kashmir.
The appeal emphasizes that these acts of violence and discrimination "not only violate the fundamental rights of the Hindu community in Bangladesh but also undermine the principles of peace, coexistence, and religious freedom that India and Bangladesh have historically upheld."
The letter describes how the situation has deteriorated significantly in recent months. Hindu temples have been desecrated and destroyed, sacred idols defiled, and Hindu homes, businesses, and properties looted and set on fire. The appeal also brings attention to the alarming reports of violence against Hindu women, with incidents of abductions, forced conversions, sexual violence, and human trafficking. Despite the severity of these crimes, local authorities have failed to take effective action to bring the perpetrators to justice, leaving victims without recourse.
Of particular concern is the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, an ISKCON priest who was detained on fabricated sedition charges. The letter read, “The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, an ISKCON priest, on fabricated sedition charges is particularly troubling. He was detained simply for organizing a peaceful protest against the ongoing atrocities and advocating for the rights of the Hindu community. His peaceful activism should have been protected as a fundamental right, yet he has been criminalized for standing up against injustice. This arrest is a direct attack on free speech, freedom of assembly, and the right to peacefully protest”
Given the gravity of the human rights violations, the signatories of the letter have called on the Government of India to take several urgent actions:
- Immediate Protection for Hindus in Bangladesh: The appeal demands that the Government of Bangladesh take urgent measures to protect Hindu religious sites, businesses, and homes from further attacks and desecration. The safety and security of the Hindu community must be ensured, and the perpetrators of violence must be held accountable.
- Release of Chinmoy Krishna Das and Other Religious Leaders: The letter calls for the immediate release of Chinmoy Krishna Das and other religious leaders who have been unjustly arrested. All charges against them should be dropped, and their right to peacefully protest and voice their concerns must be upheld.
- Justice for Hindu Women: The appeal demands that the Government of Bangladesh investigate the growing cases of violence, abduction, and forced conversion of Hindu women. The perpetrators must be brought to justice, and legal protections must be implemented to safeguard Hindu women and ensure their rights.
- Protection of Employment and Property Rights: The unlawful removal of Hindu government employees from their jobs and the seizure of their properties must stop immediately. Hindus in Bangladesh must be allowed to live with dignity, free from social and economic persecution.
- International Sanctions on Bangladesh: The appeal calls for the application of targeted international sanctions against Bangladesh, particularly those individuals and entities complicit in religious persecution and human rights violations. These sanctions are aimed at pressuring the Bangladeshi government to end its complicity in these atrocities and protect the rights of religious minorities.
- Diplomatic Action at the United Nations and Other International Forums: The signatories urge the Government of India to raise the issue at international forums such as the United Nations and the Human Rights Council. Diplomatic pressure must be applied on Bangladesh to hold accountable those responsible for the persecution of Hindus and ensure an end to discriminatory practices.
The letter added, “The situation in Bangladesh is dire, and the Hindu community is suffering under conditions that are reminiscent of severe human rights violations. The Government of India has a moral and diplomatic responsibility to raise this issue at the highest levels and to take strong, decisive action to protect the rights and safety of Hindus in Bangladesh.”
The signatories express hope that under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, India will continue to stand as a beacon of hope and justice for religious minorities abroad. The letter read, “We trust that, under your leadership, India will continue to stand as a beacon of hope and justice for religious minorities abroad. We sincerely hope that this matter will be given the urgent attention it deserves, and that steps will be taken to ensure the safety, dignity, and basic rights of the Hindu community in Bangladesh.”
