Kolkata: Radharamn Das, the vice-president and spokesperson of ISKCON Kolkata, expressed frustration on November 27 over the Bangladeshi government’s response to India regarding the arrest of ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, also known as Chinmoy Prabhu. The Bangladeshi police recently arrested Chinmoy Krishna Das, who also represents the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jot. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs had raised concerns over his arrest.
Das criticized Bangladesh’s response to the issue, stating that it seemed as though the Bangladeshi government was advising India to mind its own affairs rather than interfering in Bangladesh’s internal matters. He emphasized that Chinmoy Krishna Das had become a prominent figure leading “peaceful protests” against attacks on the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh, which likely led to his arrest.
Das also mentioned that after Chinmoy’s arrest, there were reports of violent mobs threatening and killing individuals associated with ISKCON in Hindu colonies. He expressed deep concern over the situation, saying he had been unable to sleep due to the disturbing information and videos he had received.
On Tuesday, BJP legislators in West Bengal, led by Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, held a protest against the monk’s arrest. Adhikari announced plans to push for a halt to cross-border trade with Bangladesh until Chinmoy Krishna Das is released. He warned that Bangladesh depends heavily on India for essential commodities and suggested that trade should be suspended unless the monk is freed.