2 More Hindu Monks Arrested In Bangladesh, ISKCON Calls For Safety Prayers Today
In a continued action against the Hindu community in Bangladesh, two more ISKCON monks were arrested in Chattogram when they went to deliver food to Chinmoy Krishna Das, whose arrest led to widespread protests in the country, including strong voices from India.
This comes as a flurry of attacks on the Hindu community in the neighbouring nation in recent months which also included vandalisation of temples and idols of deities. On November 25, Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on sedition charges alleging disrespect to the national flag. He was also denied bail by the court, drawing a sharp reaction from India which urged the Yunus government to ensure the safety of minorities.
Who Are Two Hindu Monks Arrested?
The latest arrests of two monks – Rudraproti Kesab Das, and Ranga Nath Syama Sundor Das – have drawn the ire of the minority community and also from the priests and politicians in India.
International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Kolkata’s Vice-President and spokesperson Radharaman Das questioned the move to arrest the monks and said that ISKCON devotees in over 150 countries will gather to chant and pray for the safety of Bangladeshi minorities.
“In over 150 countries and countless cities and towns, millions of ISKCON devotees worldwide will come together this Sunday, 1st December, to pray and chant for the safety and security of Bangladeshi minorities. Please join your local #ISKCON temple or congregation. Hare Krishna!” Radharaman Das tweeted.
BJP Reacts To Monks’ Arrests
Union Minister and West Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar condemned the arrest calling it “against the values of justice”. He sought their immediate release and advocated raising voice for religious freedom.
“Saddened to hear about the arrest of another ISKCON monk, Brahmachari Shyam Das, by the Bangladesh Police. He was detained while visiting Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu, who was recently taken into custody. Such actions against peaceful religious figures and the Hindu minority in Bangladesh are deeply concerning. This goes against the values of justice and harmony that we all stand for,” he tweeted.
“I urge the Bangladesh government to release these monks immediately and ensure the protection of minority communities. It is important for all of us to speak up for justice and religious freedom,” the Minister added.
Several Hospitals Deny Health Services To Bangladeshis
Many hospitals are refusing to provide health services to Bangladeshi patients. Kolkata’s JN Ray Hospital announced the move as a mark of protest against the atrocities against the Hindus in Bangladesh. The latest in this list is Tripura’s ILS Hospital which declared not to extend its services to Bangladeshis.