Bangladesh Hindu monk's arrest sparks chaos: Sunni leader urges peace and protection for minorities
Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, a prominent Sunni Muslim leader also known as Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musaliyar, condemned the recent arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh. The incident that took place on November 25 had caused widespread protests and increased communal tensions in the country. In his statement, Sheikh Ahmad urged the Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety and well-being of minority communities, particularly Hindus, who have faced rising insecurity in the region.
Chinmoy Krishna Das, the leader of ISKCON and spokesperson for Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, was arrested at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on charges of sedition. The arrests have raised alarm because protests erupted in violence and have demanded his release. According to Sheikh Ahmad, who made a statement, the actions would exacerbate divisions between communities and undermine all efforts for peace and harmony in Bangladesh.
The arrest of Krishna Das, together with two other ISKCON monks detained shortly after, has raised fears of growing insecurity in minority communities in Bangladesh. Sheikh Ahmad urged the Bangladeshi government to focus on peace and stability, saying that the government must take action to stop actions that provoke emotional responses and fuel communal violence. He also emphasized the protection of religious minorities' rights in Bangladesh.
In addition to demanding action from the Bangladeshi government, Sheikh Ahmed also urged the Indian administration to offer constructive support toward Bangladesh toward stability and protection of minority people. These appeals come at a time when threats against minorities, particularly Hindus are on the rise following post-political unrest in the country. The resignation in August by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after months-long student demonstrations has heightened those tensions.
