Is the UN Pressing Bangladesh for the Release of Chinmoy Krishna Das?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a significant call to action, the Rights and Risks Analysis Group urges the UN and global diplomats to advocate for the release of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, who remains imprisoned under controversial charges. This plea comes during the celebration of Janmashtami, highlighting ongoing issues of minority rights in Bangladesh.
Key Takeaways
- Chinmoy Krishna Das has been imprisoned since November 2024.
- The UN and diplomatic community are urged to intervene.
- 2,485 incidents of violence against minorities reported in Bangladesh.
- The situation raises serious concerns about religious freedom.
- Janmashtami is celebrated amidst these pressing issues.
New Delhi, Aug 16 (NationPress) The Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG), a human rights organization based in New Delhi, has called upon the United Nations and the global diplomatic community to take action regarding the release of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a former ISKON leader and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jagaran Jote, coinciding with the celebration of Janmashtami.
Chinmoy Das has been detained since November 25, 2024, due to a sedition case stemming from his alleged defamation of the national flag. His arrest occurred at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.
Additionally, he faces charges related to the murder of assistant government prosecutor Saiful Islam Alif, who was killed during protests ignited by Das's arrest.
On Saturday, RRAG reiterated its plea to the UN and diplomatic entities to press the Bangladeshi government for Das's release in light of Janmashtami.
The rights organization noted the presence of high-ranking officials, including General Waqar Uz Zaman, Admiral Mohd Nazmul Hussain, and Hasan Mahmud Khan, at the Janmashtami celebrations in Dhaka.
“This display is merely a facade intended to deceive the international community amidst ongoing, severe abuses against Hindus,” stated RRAG Director Suhas Chakma.
He highlighted that under the caretaker government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, there were 2,485 reported incidents of violence against religious and ethnic minorities.
Chakma argued that if the Bangladeshi government were genuinely committed to justice, Chinmoy Das should at least be granted bail on this significant day.
Das has been incarcerated since November 25 last year, initially charged with sedition for allegedly placing the ISKON flag atop the Bangladesh national flag, followed by accusations pertaining to the murder of a lawyer during court proceedings while he was already in police custody.
“If there was any conspiracy to murder the lawyer, it was orchestrated by Bangladeshi security forces who had him. None of these officials have faced charges. The prosecution's resistance to Das's bail clearly aims to deter Hindus from engaging in political activities, confining them to religious events like Janmashtami,” Chakma concluded.
Point of View
My perspective remains steadfastly aligned with the values of justice and human rights. The ongoing detention of Chinmoy Krishna Das raises serious concerns about the treatment of minority communities in Bangladesh. The international community must advocate for his release to ensure that religious freedoms are upheld.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Chinmoy Krishna Das?
Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari is a former leader of ISKON and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jagaran Jote, currently imprisoned under controversial circumstances.
What are the charges against him?
He faces charges of sedition and is also linked to the murder of assistant government prosecutor Saiful Islam Alif during protests related to his arrest.
What is the current status of his case?
Chinmoy Das has been in custody since November 25, 2024, and his release is being actively sought by the Rights and Risks Analysis Group.
What is Janmashtami?
Janmashtami is a significant Hindu festival celebrating the birthday of Lord Krishna, observed with great devotion and festivities.
How many incidents of violence against minorities have been reported in Bangladesh?
Under the caretaker government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, there were 2,485 incidents of violence reported against religious and ethnic minorities.
