Background
On August 5, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, fled the country following the student-led protest over the employment quota and various other corruption charges, demanding her resignation. This left Bangladesh in havoc, and major protests erupted in various parts of the country, involving the destruction of public property. The military announced the formation of an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. However, the interim government formed under Muhammad Yunus has failed to restore the deteriorating conditions of Bangladesh.
After Hasina’s departure and the formation of the interim government, Bangladesh still continues to be engulfed in protest. The relation between India and Bangladesh came under strain with the fall of Haseena, and Muhmmad Yunus came to power. The relations deteriorated further with the increase in incursions over Hindu minorities and the arrest of a Hindu monk.
Source – Swarajya
Arrest
Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former member of ISKON and spokesperson of Bangladesh Sommilito Santani Jagaran Jote, was arrested at Chittagong airport on November 25 over the alleged involvement of him and his followers in an attack taking place in Chittagong court. The case was filed by Emauel Haque, a Hefazat-e-Islam activist, accusing Das and some of his identified as well as unidentified followers of attacking him for wearing traditional attire. He claimed that the assault left him with several injuries, including a right hand fracture and head injuries, which led to a delay in filing the case.
The apprehension of Chinmoy Das incited widespread protest. The bail hearing, which was scheduled to be on Tuesday, was postponed till 2nd January due to the unavailability of any lawyer to represent him. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON) has claimed that his lawyer has been assaulted in his home, Chattogram, a day before Das’s bail plea. His home had been ransacked, and the assault led to severe injuries, ultimately leaving him hospitalized in ICU. He also defended Chinmoy Das in court on 26 November when he was produced in court after the arrest.
Source – Mint
Response of India
The comments of the Ministry of External Affairs came after hours when the protesters barged into the office of the High Commission and resorted to vandalism. India released a statement of deep concern over the rising atrocities against Hindu minorities and urged Bangladesh to ensure the safety of the Hindu minorities. It also condemned the breach of the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, calling it deeply regrettable. MEA also emphasized that diplomatic properties must be safeguarded, announcing the increase in security for the Bangladeshi mission. In response, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Affairs released statements rebuking India for misrepresenting the facts, and India’s response stands against the spirit of friendship and understanding between these two nations.
The present conditions prevailing in Bangladesh have deteriorated India and Bangladesh’s relations. Continued attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and denial of bail to Chinmoy Das have started protests even in India. Many Hindus from West Bengal have planned to protest and block the Petrapole border if bail is not provided to Das.
