Congress voices concern over safety of minorities in Bangladesh
PTI
Synopsis
India’s Congress party voiced serious concerns over the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh following the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das on sedition charges. A lawyer died during ensuing clashes. India urged Bangladesh to ensure minority protection, prompting a sharp rebuke from Dhaka, which emphasized its judicial independence and non-interference policy.
ANIThe Congress on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the “atmosphere of insecurity” being faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh and the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das. In a statement, Chairman of the party’s Media and Publicity Department Pawan Khera said, “The Indian National Congress expects the government of India to prevail upon the Bangladesh government to take necessary steps and ensure security of life and property of minorities in the country”.
“The Indian National Congress expresses its deep concern at the atmosphere of insecurity being faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh. The arrest of the ISCKON monk is the latest example,” he said.
A lawyer was killed on Tuesday during clashes between security personnel and followers of Das, who was denied bail and sent to jail by a court in the port city of Chattogram in Bangladesh in a sedition case.
Das, the spokesperson for Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, was arrested from the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka a day earlier.
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India on Tuesday noted with “deep concern” the arrest and denial of bail to the Hindu leader, and urged authorities in the neighbouring country to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all other minority groups.
Bangladesh reacted sharply to the Ministry of External Affairs statement, saying it was unfounded and stood contrary to the spirit of friendship between the two countries.
In its statement, Dhaka said it does not interfere with the country’s judiciary, which is fully independent.
