Sheikh Hasina Demands Immediate Release of Hindu Priest, Criticizes Current Government's Failures
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New Delhi, Nov 28 (NationPress) Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has vehemently condemned the abuses perpetrated against ordinary citizens by the interim government led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. In a statement made on Thursday, she demanded the immediate release of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha and leader of Pundarik Dham, who is currently imprisoned in Chittagong.
"The unjust arrest of a prominent leader from the Sanatan religious community is unacceptable; he must be freed without delay," Hasina declared, recalling her own forced exile following the 'Anti-Discrimination Student Movement' in August.
This alarming incident has sparked widespread outrage among Hindus globally, prompting Hasina to highlight numerous reports of persecution against minority communities across 52 districts in Bangladesh since her resignation on August 5 of this year.
"A temple was set ablaze in Chittagong. Previously, there have been assaults on mosques, churches, shrines, and the homes of the Ahmadiyya community, all of which have been attacked, vandalized, and destroyed. It is vital to safeguard the religious freedom and security of all citizens," she stated.
Hasina went on to condemn the ongoing violence against members of the Awami League party, asserting, "After countless leaders and workers of the Awami League have been killed, we are witnessing continued harassment through arrests and violence. I firmly oppose these anarchic acts."
Additionally, she addressed the tragic death of a 32-year-old lawyer, Saiful Islam, who died in a Chittagong court amidst the chaos following Chinmoy Krishna Das's arrest.
"The murder of a lawyer in Chittagong is abhorrent; I demand swift justice for this crime. Human rights have been egregiously violated in this case. Those responsible for this brutal act must be identified and punished. If the Yunus government, which has unlawfully taken power, fails to bring these perpetrators to justice, it too will be held accountable for human rights violations," Hasina asserted.
The former Prime Minister urged citizens to unite against terrorism and militancy, emphasizing the need to protect the safety of ordinary people.
"The current rulers are failing on all fronts: they have not managed to stabilize the prices of essential goods and have neglected to ensure the security of citizens’ lives. These abuses against the common populace must be condemned both directly and indirectly," she remarked.
Earlier this week, the Indian government also expressed concern, noting that this incident occurs against a backdrop of repeated attacks on Hindus and other minority groups by extremist factions in Bangladesh.
"The documented incidents of arson, looting of minority-owned properties, theft, vandalism, and the desecration of deities and temples are profoundly alarming. It is regrettable that while those responsible for these acts remain unpunished, legal actions are being taken against a religious leader who is advocating for legitimate concerns through peaceful means. We are also troubled by the assaults on minorities peacefully protesting the arrest of Shri Das," stated the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das.
