The arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh has escalated tensions between the neighboring countries, leading to protests, violence, and diplomatic exchanges.
Das, a spokesperson for a Hindu organization, was detained on sedition charges at Dhaka airport on Monday. Authorities accuse him of disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag during a rally in Chittagong in October. His organization, Iskcon, has denounced the arrest, calling him a “vocal advocate for minority protection.”
Protests erupted following a court’s decision on Tuesday to deny Das bail. Clashes broke out in Chittagong as hundreds of his supporters surrounded the van transporting him back to prison. Security forces used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd, leaving one person dead—a Muslim lawyer, Saiful Islam Alif.
Bangladeshi police reported six arrests in connection with Alif’s death and detained over 20 people related to the unrest. Officials have urged calm amid fears the incident could inflame communal tensions. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus emphasized his government’s commitment to maintaining harmony.
India responded with a statement expressing “deep concern” over the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh and urging protection for Hindus. Bangladesh dismissed these concerns, expressing “utter dismay” over what it called a misrepresentation of events.
Relations between the two countries have been strained since the ousting of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August. Hasina, a long-standing ally of India, has been living in India since her removal, complicating diplomatic ties.
Hindus, who make up about 8% of Bangladesh’s population, are the country’s largest minority group. Incidents like Das’s arrest continue to test the historically strong, but recently fragile, relationship between India and Bangladesh.
