US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has expressed serious concern over recent unrest in Bangladesh following the arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari.
In an official statement on Saturday, he called on the Bangladeshi government to uphold human rights, ensure legal protections, and end the violence targeting Hindus and other minority groups. “The ongoing violence against Hindus and others across Bangladesh is unacceptable and must end immediately. I strongly urge the government of Bangladesh to take decisive steps to reduce tensions peacefully now,” he said.
The Illinois Congressman also emphasized the need to safeguard peaceful protests and guarantee proper legal representation for those arrested. “The government of Bangladesh must uphold and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the rights to peaceful protest and legal representation,” he added, noting these steps are crucial to de-escalating tensions.
The unrest began after sedition charges were filed against Chinmoy Krishna Das for allegedly raising a saffron flag above Bangladesh’s national flag in Chittagong on October 25. His arrest on November 25 triggered protests, which escalated into violent clashes outside the Chattogram Court Building on November 27, resulting in the death of a lawyer.
The situation deteriorated further with additional arrests. According to ISKCON Kolkata, two monks, Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari, were detained on November 29 after visiting Chinmoy Krishna Das in custody. The organisation’s Vice President, Radha Raman, reported that rioters vandalised an ISKCON centre in Bangladesh during the unrest.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has also expressed concern over escalating violence and extremist rhetoric in Bangladesh, reiterating that it consistently raises the issue of attacks on minorities with Dhaka.