Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has strongly criticized the interim Muhammad Yunus-led government for its handling of rising communal tensions and the arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das. She labeled the arrest as unjust, called for his immediate release, and condemned the violent attacks on the Hindu community.
Key Points from Hasina’s Statement:
- Demand for Action: Sheikh Hasina urged the interim government to take swift action to ensure the safety of religious minorities, citing violent incidents like the burning of a temple in Chittagong and attacks on religious sites.
- Condemnation of Lawyer’s Murder: She highlighted the recent murder of a lawyer, calling for justice and swift prosecution of the perpetrators.
- Religious Freedom: Hasina emphasized the importance of protecting religious freedom and ensuring public safety amid escalating communal tensions.
High Court’s Decision on ISKCON:
Earlier, the High Court of Bangladesh deferred the decision on banning ISKCON to the interim government. The court, while hearing a petition seeking the prohibition of ISKCON and the imposition of Section 144 in Chattogram and Rangpur, directed Attorney General Asaduzzaman to report the government’s stance by Thursday.
Allegations Against ISKCON:
- The interim government, in an affidavit, labeled ISKCON a “religious fundamentalist” group and stated that it is currently examining the organization’s activities.
- Tensions escalated after ISKCON leaders were accused of hoisting a saffron flag above the national flag of Bangladesh during a rally on October 25 in Chattogram. This led to sedition charges being filed against 19 individuals, including ISKCON leader Chinmoy Prabhu.
Chinmoy Krishna Das’s Arrest:
- The ISKCON priest was arrested at Dhaka airport on Monday and was subsequently denied bail by a Chattogram court. He has since been placed in judicial custody.
- The sedition case, filed on October 30, has become a major point of contention between the interim government and Bangladesh’s Hindu community.
