Bangladesh has rebuked India for its response to the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari on sedition charges, stating it was the country's "internal matter" and the facts were misrepresented in the incident.
Dhaka's response comes as the Ministry of External Affairs raised concern about the arrest and denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das. India, while urging Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, said several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities' homes and business establishments are being reported in the country.
To this, Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) immediately released a statement, rebuking India for misrepresenting facts. It said India's response stands contrary to the spirit of friendship and understanding between the two neighbouring countries.
"It is with utter dismay and a deep sense of hurt that the Government of Bangladesh notes that the arrest of Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das has been misconstrued by certain quarters since Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das has been arrested on specific charges," said MOFA.
Dhaka's statement added that the statement does not reflect the harmony that exists among the peoples of all faiths and the commitment and efforts of the government and the people.
Meanwhile, local media reports revealed the details of the sedition case against the monk, which accuses Chinmoy Das and 18 others of sedition. The case details hint that at Laldighi Maidan, a religious flag associated with Iskcon was reportedly placed over the national flag. This amounts to "desecration" and "contempt for the country’s sovereignty." This is being described as "treasonous activities aimed at destabilising the nation by fostering an anarchic environment."
The video of the said act had gone viral on social media. However, a case was filed by Mohammed Feroze Khan, a former BNP member. Khan was later suspended from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and placed in police custody for his safety following the incident.
Though there were reports that ISKCON expelled Chinmoy Krishna from the organisation, the sources denied it. Iskcon members suggested that the allegations and counter-allegations are part of internal conflicts, asserting that Chinmoy continues to head a prominent ISKCON institution in Chittagong.