Sheikh Hasina slams Bangladesh govt, seeks immediate release of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Das

Bangladesh's deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina today condemned the arrest of ISKCON saint Chinmoy Krishna Das.

"A top leader of Sanatan religious community has been unjustly arrested, he must be released immediately. A temple has been burnt in Chittagong. Previously, mosques, shrines, churches, monasteries and homes of the Ahmadiyya community were attacked, vandalized and looted and set on fire. Religious freedom and security of life and property must be ensured for people of all communities," a translation of Hasina's statement issued by the Awami League read.

Chinmoy Krishna Das, who also served as a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, was denied bail and sent to jail on Tuesday by the Chattogram Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate Court.


Lamenting the killing of a laywer in the Chittagong, Hasina said, "Those involved in this murder should be found and punished quickly. Human rights have been grossly violated through this incident. A lawyer went to perform his professional duties, and those who beat him to death are terrorists. Whoever they are must be punished."


"If the unconstitutionally usurped Yunus government fails to punish these terrorists, it will also face punishment for human rights violations. I appeal to the people of the country to stand united against this kind of terrorism and militancy. It is important to ensure the safety of the lives and property of the common people," the statement added.

Hasina also slammed the caretaker govt in the country saying, "The current power grabbers are showing failure in all areas. After the killing of innumerable Awami League leaders and workers, students and members of law and order forces, harassment is going on through assaults and arrests. I strongly condemn and protest these anti-Nayaraj activities."

Meanwhile, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness(ISKCON) Bangladesh has distanced itself from Chinmoy Krishna Das's comments. ISKCON officials said that complaints against Chinmoy Krishna Das were received in June, leading to his expulsion three months later.

"We cannot take responsibility for anyone who is not our member. ISKCON Bangladesh has no involvement in this tragic event or the ongoing protests," ISKCON's chief in Bangladesh Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari told PTI, in an apparent reference to the killing of a lawyer in a clash between security personnel and supporters of Chinmoy Krishna Das.