New Delhi: A group of 68 retired judges, bureaucrats and a sitting MP wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealing to him to intervene in the rising violence and discrimination against Hindus in Bangladesh.
The group also demanded action for the release of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a priest from ISKCON Bangladesh, who was arrested on charges of sedition.
What the letter stated
In a letter dated November 27, the group expressed deep concern over the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh and the unjust arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das. Former Director General of Police, Jammu and Kashmir, Shesh Paul Vaid shared their appeal on social media platform X, calling for immediate action.
“Hon’ble PM @narendramodi, we, a group of 68 retired judges, IAS, IPS, IRS, and other state officers, along with a sitting MP, have submitted an urgent appeal regarding the atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, including the fabricated charges against ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das. We seek your intervention on this critical issue,” his post read.
The letter called for immediate measures to protect Hindus in Bangladesh and demanded the priest’s release. It urged Centre to take this matter to international platforms such as United Nations and Human Rights Council. It also recommended targeted international sanctions against people and entities in Bangladesh responsible for religious persecution and human rights violations.
Chinmoy Krishna Das’ arrest
Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on Monday from Dhaka airport and was presented before a Chittagong court the next day. Despite a bail plea by his lawyers, the court rejected it and sent him to custody.
The priest has been accused of sedition for allegedly raising a flag on a stand displaying the Bangladeshi national flag, but reports suggest the complainant is hesitant to pursue the case further.