Ahead of being sworn in as Wayanad MP, Priyanka Gandhi takes aim at government over Chinmoy Das’ arrest in Bangladesh

On By Pranco

A day before joining her brother Rahul Gandhi in Parliament, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday expressed serious concerns over the arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in Bangladesh. Terming the incident ‘extremely worrying’, she urged the BJP-led central government to intervene in the matter. On She further called on the government to seriously address the issue of protection of minorities in Bangladesh.

Earlier, top government sources told ABP Live that India believes this is an “internal matter” of Bangladesh, and therefore will not take “immediate action” on the matter.

“I appeal to the central government to intervene in this matter and strongly raise the issue of ensuring security of minorities with the government of Bangladesh,” said Gandhi Vadra, who will take oath on Thursday as a Wayanad MP.

Chinmoy Das was arrested on Monday and produced before a Chittagong court on Tuesday where he was sent to police custody. He has been charged with sedition for allegedly hoisting a flag on a stand bearing the national flag of Bangladesh. The arrest of the ISKCON priest and the ongoing violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh have raised major concerns.

READ ALSO | Bangladesh says ‘internal matter’ while India flags safety of Hindus after arrest of ISKCON monk

India responds to arrest

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC), the country’s largest minority organization, also expressed concern over the arrest. Condemning the arrest, Council Acting Secretary General Manindra Kumar Nath said: “We strongly condemn the arrest of Prabhu Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson of Bangladesh’s Sammilito Sanatani Jagaran Jot, who was detained at Bangladesh airport on Monday afternoon Dhaka. “

India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the arrest. In a statement, it expressed concern about the “large-scale criminal activity” behind such events, saying: “It is unfortunate… No charges should be brought against a religious leader who makes legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings. attacks on peacefully protesting minorities after Das’ arrest.”

On November 27, Pabitra Margherita, India’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, spoke to the High Commissioner of Bangladesh about the incident.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticizes the Bangladesh government

Union Minister Giriraj Singh also condemned the arrest and accused the Bangladesh government of bowing to pressure from extremists. Singh said, “The government of Bangladesh is working under pressure from extremists who are vandalizing temples. I thank the Indian government for taking this matter seriously. The United Nations should also take note of the situation.”