Bangladesh Police Use Tear Gas On Hindus Protesting Arrest Of ISKCON Monk On Sedition Charges, India Voices Concern

Bangladesh police deployed tear gas to disperse Hindu protesters rallying against the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent Hindu spiritual leader, Hindustan Times reported.

The demonstrations escalated in Dhaka and Chittagong as protesters voiced their concerns, prompting India to call on Bangladesh's interim government to ensure the safety and security of minorities.

Chinmoy Krishna Das, affiliated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), was arrested at Dhaka airport on sedition charges on Monday (25 November).

The accusations stem from his alleged role in an October rally in Chittagong, where he allegedly flagged the saffron flag over Bangladesh's national flag. A local court denied him bail on Tuesday, leading to his immediate imprisonment.

The arrest has sparked widespread unrest among his supporters. In Chittagong, over 2,000 demonstrators surrounded the police van escorting Das, blocking it for hours.

Chittagong Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasib Aziz described the scene as chaotic, saying protesters resorted to throwing bricks at police. Tear gas was used to disperse the crowd, leaving one officer injured.

India has expressed "deep concern" over the treatment of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, emphasising the need for their protection after Das's arrest.

The Ministry of External Affairs pointed to a series of recent attacks on Hindu homes, temples, and businesses, urging Bangladeshi authorities to address the rising violence.

Hindus make up roughly 8 per cent of Bangladesh's population of 17 crore. Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August, there have reportedly been over hundreds of incidents targeting Hindu communities.