Ex-Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina demands release of arrested Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has condemned the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, calling it "unjust" and demanding his immediate release. The arrest, made under allegations of hoisting a saffron flag above the Bangladesh national flag, has sparked outrage among minority communities and international observers.

Hasina, speaking through her party’s platform, the Awami League, called for the protection of religious and ethnic minorities. "A leader of the Sanatan Dharma community has been unjustly arrested. He must be released immediately," she said. The Awami League shared her statement on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the urgent need for religious freedom and security for minorities in Bangladesh.

The arrest comes amid escalating violence and political unrest since Hasina’s ouster from power in August. She fled to India following weeks of student-led protests and violent crackdowns. Since then, Bangladesh has been under an interim government led by economist Muhammad Yunus.

Reports of targeted attacks on minority communities, including arson and looting of temples and homes, have increased under the current administration. Hasina condemned these actions, stating, "Temples have been burned, and countless minority homes have been vandalized. Human rights violations must stop."

The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das has drawn criticism not only from local groups but also from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The MEA condemned the arrest, pointing out the irony of persecuting a religious leader while the perpetrators of violence against minorities remain unpunished.

Chinmoy Krishna Das was taken into custody after a rally in October where he and 18 others were accused of disrespecting the national flag. Protests erupted in response to his arrest, with demonstrators calling for his release. Hasina urged the Bangladeshi public to resist the growing wave of terrorism and militancy, emphasizing the need for unity to safeguard human rights.