West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has declared her support for the Narendra Modi-led central government’s response to the growing crisis surrounding the alleged targeting of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. This statement follows the arrest and subsequent denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent Hindu spiritual leader and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. Das, a former member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), was expelled from the organization before his arrest on sedition charges.
Banerjee, addressing the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, emphasized her commitment to religious harmony and stated, “We do not want any religion to be harmed. I have spoken to ISKCON in Bengal. However, since this is a matter concerning another country, the Central government should take appropriate action. We are with them [the Central government] on this issue.” She clarified that while she has communicated with ISKCON representatives in West Bengal, the situation in Bangladesh falls outside her direct jurisdiction.
The controversy surrounding ISKCON in Bangladesh has intensified following Das’s arrest, sparking protests and unrest. A petition filed in the Dhaka High Court, calling ISKCON a “radical organization” and alleging its involvement in provoking communal unrest, further fueled the tension. While the court refused to issue a suo motu order banning ISKCON’s activities, citing government measures already underway, the petition highlights the deep divisions and anxieties within Bangladesh. The Daily Star reported on the court’s decision and the government’s actions.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also expressed grave concerns, issuing a statement on Tuesday that voiced deep worry regarding Das’s arrest and the denial of bail. The MEA statement explicitly referenced the arrest in the context of a broader pattern: “This incident follows multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities’ homes and business establishments, as well as theft and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples.” This strongly worded statement underscores India’s serious concerns about the safety and well-being of its religious community in Bangladesh.
The confluence of Mamata Banerjee’s public support for the central government’s actions, the ongoing protests in Bangladesh, the court proceedings, and the MEA’s strong condemnation paints a complex picture of escalating tensions between Bangladesh and India, rooted in concerns about religious freedom and the safety of minority communities. The situation continues to unfold, with significant implications for regional stability and international relations.
