NEW DELHI: Isha foundation founder Sadhguru on Tuesday strongly condemned and expressed grave concern over the arrest of Iskcon priest Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh.
Taking to X, Sadhguru called out Bangladesh’s shift from a democratic to a theocratic and autocratic system.
“It is disgraceful to see how a democratic nation is disintegrating to become theocratic and autocratic. It is the responsibility of every citizen to understand the value of having an open democracy. Persecution on the basis of religion or weakness of demographics is not the way of democratic nations. Unfortunately, our neighbourhood has slipped away from democratic principles,” he said.
“It should be the responsibility of every citizen of Bangladesh to build back a democratic nation where all citizens will have the needed rights and ability to fulfil their lives as per their requirements and beliefs,” he added.
Meanwhile, India reacted to Chinmoy Krishna Das’s arrest and voiced serious concerns over the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh.
“We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities’ homes and business establishments, as well as theft and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples,” the MEA said in a statement. “
It is unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, charges should be pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings,” it added.
The ministry also highlighted concerns regarding attacks on Hindus who were protesting the religious leader’s arrest.
Bangladesh authorities arrested Das on Monday near the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. Police Detective Branch spokesperson Rezaul Karim confirmed Das’s detention following a request from regular police, though specific charges were not disclosed.
According to Bdnews24 news portal, Sanatani Jagran Jote’s principal organiser, Gaurang Das Brahmachari, reported that Das had planned to travel from Dhaka to Chattogram by air.
Previously, on October 30, authorities filed charges against 19 individuals, including Das, at Chattogram’s Kotwali Police Station, alleging disrespect towards Bangladesh’s national flag during a Hindu community rally in Chattogram’s New Market area.
