India has expressed concern over the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, leader of the Hindu organization Sammilita Sanatani Jote, in Bangladesh. India has criticized the action, emphasizing that charges were brought against a religious leader for peaceful protests, while perpetrators of arson and vandalism against temples and minorities remain unpunished.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said: "We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatan Jagran Jote. This incident follows multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh."

The MEA highlighted several documented cases of arson, looting, theft, and vandalism targeting the homes, businesses, and places of worship of minority communities in Bangladesh. It lamented that while those responsible for such attacks remain at large, a religious leader advocating peacefully for legitimate demands has been arrested.

"It is unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, charges should be pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings. We also note with concern the attacks on minorities protesting peacefully against the arrest of Shri Das," the statement read.

A court in Bangladesh on Tuesday ordered Chinmoy Krishna Das to be sent to jail after rejecting his bail appeal.

The decision was made by the Chattogram Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate Kazi Shariful Islam around 11:45 a.m., according to BDNews24.com. Following the verdict, Das's followers protested outside the court premises, chanting slogans against the denial of bail, the news portal reported.

Why was Chinmoy Krishna Das arrested?

Das was arrested on Monday by Bangladesh police in the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport area in Dhaka. According to Detective Branch spokesperson Rezaul Karim, the detention was carried out upon a request from regular police. However, authorities have not disclosed details regarding the charges against Das.

The arrest followed a case filed on October 30 at Chattogram's Kotwali Police Station, accusing Das and 18 others of disrespecting Bangladesh's national flag during a Hindu community rally in Chattogram's New Market area.

Gaurang Das Brahmachari, a key organizer of Sanatani Jagran Jote, told BDNews24.com that Das had been scheduled to travel to Chattogram by air from Dhaka when he was detained.

The incident has sparked unrest among the Hindu community in Bangladesh, with Das's supporters expressing their dissatisfaction with the court’s decision.

India Appeals for Minority Safety

India urged the Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and other minority communities, safeguarding their rights to peaceful assembly and free expression.

This development comes amidst growing tensions over the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh and calls for the protection of their fundamental rights. The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das has drawn widespread attention, raising concerns about the state of minority rights and religious freedoms in the region.