US Congressman urges Bangladesh to address anti-Hindu violence and ensure legal protections
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US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has expressed deep concern over recent violence in Bangladesh following the arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari.
In a statement, he called on the Bangladeshi government to uphold human rights, ensure fair legal processes, and put an end to targeted violence against Hindus and other minority groups.
"The ongoing violence against Hindus and others across Bangladesh is unacceptable and must end immediately," said Krishnamoorthi. He emphasized the importance of protecting peaceful protests and providing legal representation to those arrested. "The government of Bangladesh must uphold fundamental freedoms and human rights, including the right to peaceful protest and proper legal representation, to de-escalate tensions effectively," he added.
The unrest began with the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das on November 25, following sedition charges linked to allegations of raising a saffron flag above Bangladesh's national flag in Chittagong on October 25. Protests erupted, culminating in violent clashes outside the Chattogram Court Building on November 27, which led to the death of a lawyer.
The situation further deteriorated after the arrests of two ISKCON monks, Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari, on November 29. They were detained after visiting Chinmoy Krishna Das in custody. ISKCON Kolkata's Vice President, Radha Raman, also reported that rioters vandalized an ISKCON center in Bangladesh during the unrest.
The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has condemned what it described as "false and harassing" charges filed against 70 minority lawyers and two journalists. The council accused authorities of using these charges, which include allegations of vandalism and bombings, to suppress news about the sedition case and hinder its legal proceedings. The council has called for the immediate withdrawal of these allegations.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has expressed alarm over the escalating violence and rising extremist rhetoric in Bangladesh, emphasizing that it has consistently raised concerns about targeted attacks on minorities with the Bangladeshi government.