Bangladesh Minority Council Raises Alarm Over False Charges Against Lawyers and Journalists

The situation in Bangladesh has recently escalated, particularly concerning the treatment of minority communities. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has raised alarms over a troubling incident involving a 'false and harassing case' against 70 minority lawyers and two journalists from Chittagong. This case, filed on November 30 at the Kotwali Police station, accuses these individuals of being involved in crude bomb explosions and vandalizing vehicles. Such serious allegations have sparked outrage and concern among various human rights organizations.

In an official statement released on Sunday, the council expressed its shock and dismay, asserting that the case was filed with the ulterior motive of obstructing a sedition case against ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari. The council believes that this action is an attempt to prevent the publication and dissemination of news related to the case, which they argue is a blatant violation of human rights and the rule of law.

The council has called upon the Bangladeshi government and law enforcement authorities to immediately withdraw the false charges and take urgent steps to release the detained lawyers and journalists. This demand highlights the growing concern over the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh, particularly in light of recent events.

Adding to the tension, ISKCON Kolkata reported that two monks, Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari, along with the secretary of Chinmoy Krishna Das, were arrested by Bangladeshi authorities. According to Radha Raman, the Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata, the monks were apprehended while returning home after visiting Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested on charges of sedition on November 25. The situation has become increasingly volatile, with reports of rioters vandalizing the ISKCON center in Bangladesh.

The unrest in Bangladesh can be traced back to October 25, when Chinmoy Krishna Das was charged with sedition for allegedly hoisting a saffron flag above the national flag in Chittagong. Following his arrest, a lawyer lost his life during clashes between police and alleged followers of the spiritual guru on November 27. This series of events has raised alarms not only within Bangladesh but also internationally.

India has expressed its concern regarding the rise of 'extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence and provocation' in Bangladesh. The Ministry of External Affairs has consistently raised the issue of targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities with the Bangladeshi government, emphasizing the need for protection and justice for these communities.

The ongoing situation in Bangladesh serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by minority communities in the region. The allegations against the lawyers and journalists, coupled with the arrests of ISKCON monks, highlight the urgent need for dialogue and action to ensure the protection of human rights. As the world watches, it is crucial for the Bangladeshi government to address these issues transparently and justly, fostering an environment where all citizens, regardless of their faith, can live without fear of persecution.