Bangladesh, once a beacon of pluralism and religious harmony in South Asia, now finds itself at a troubling crossroads. The arrest and detention of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a prominent religious leader from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) community, underscore the deepening crisis of religious intolerance in the country. Das, a respected figure also known as Sri Chinmay Krishna Prabhu, has been a vocal advocate for minority rights through his role as spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote. His arrest on sedition charges at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and the subsequent attack on his lawyer, Advocate Ramen Roy, are symptomatic of a broader campaign against minority communities and dissenting voices in Bangladesh.

The charges against Chinmoy Krishna Das appear to be part of a calculated strategy to silence religious minorities and their advocates. Das, who has served as the divisional organizing secretary for ISKCON in Chattogram, is no stranger to challenges faced by Hindus in Bangladesh. He has been a staunch defender of their rights, courageously speaking out against systemic discrimination and violence. His arrest on sedition charges raises serious questions about the motives of the Bangladeshi authorities. Moreover, the decision to hold him without bail until January 2, 2025, coupled with the denial of access to legal counsel, reflects a worrying erosion of judicial fairness and due process.

The attack on Advocate Ramen Roy, who had been defending Das, is another harrowing episode in this unfolding drama. Brutally assaulted in an attempt to intimidate and silence him, Roy now fights for his life in a hospital. This brazen act of violence is not merely an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of state complicity in the persecution of minorities and those who stand with them. Such actions highlight the precarious position of human rights defenders in Bangladesh, where even lawyers are not safe from targeted attacks, which seems to be no less than any violent atmosphere created by the Talibans in Afghanistan. The plight of Chinmoy Krishna Das is emblematic of the broader suffering endured by religious minorities in Bangladesh. At the time of partition in 1947, Hindus constituted nearly 28% of the population in what was then East Pakistan. By the time of Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, this figure had dropped to approximately 19%. Today, Hindus account for a 8% or less of the population, while other religious minorities, including Christians and Buddhists, also face systematic discrimination. These communities have endured decades of violence, forced conversions, and displacement, leading to an alarming demographic decline.

The roots of this crisis can be traced to the systematic erosion of Bangladesh’s secular foundations. While the country’s liberation from Pakistan in 1971 was built on ideals of secularism and inclusion, subsequent decades have seen a steady rise in Islamist extremism and state policies pandering to religious hardliners. The desecration of Hindu temples during Durga Puja, attacks on Christian missionaries, and destruction of Buddhist monasteries are grim reminders of the challenges faced by minorities. The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das and the violence against his lawyer are merely the latest manifestations of this disturbing trend. It is worth noting that Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel laureate celebrated for his contributions to microfinance, has also found himself embroiled in controversy regarding his role in Bangladesh’s governance. During his tenure as an influential figure in the interim government, there was a significant surge in attacks against Hindu minorities. Reports suggest that Yunus, despite receiving aid from ISKCON during his own period of incarceration, did little to protect the rights of religious minorities. His silence and inaction during these episodes of violence reflect a troubling indifference to the plight of marginalized communities. The parallels between the current trajectory of Bangladesh and the Talibanization of Afghanistan are striking. While Bangladesh maintains the façade of a democratic state, the increasing marginalization of minorities and suppression of dissent indicate a shift towards religious authoritarianism. The detention of ISKCON leaders and the attack on their legal defenders point to a systematic effort to silence voices that challenge the status quo. This creeping extremism threatens not only the fabric of Bangladeshi society but also regional stability.

The United Nations which advocates peace among nations in international stage must act decisively to address this crisis. As a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Bangladesh is obligated to uphold the fundamental rights of all its citizens, regardless of their religion or ethnicity. The United Nations must take immediate steps to investigate the ongoing violations against minorities and hold the Bangladeshi government accountable. Targeted sanctions, international trials, and oversight mechanisms are necessary to compel the regime to adhere to international norms. Moreover, humanitarian organizations must be granted unfettered access to provide relief to affected communities and document abuses. India, as Bangladesh’s immediate neighbor and a key regional power, bears a special responsibility in this regard. The shared cultural and historical ties between the two countries make this not just a political issue but also a deeply human one. India is leading the way to create efforts to focus on combating religious extremism and promoting interfaith harmony. Bangladesh itself must confront the growing tide of religious extremism within its borders. The government must take immediate steps to strengthen the rule of law and protect the rights of minorities. Education reforms promoting tolerance and inclusivity, stricter enforcement of laws against hate crimes, and initiatives to foster interfaith dialogue are essential to reversing the current trend. Civil society and ordinary citizens also have a critical role to play in resisting extremism and advocating for the principles of secularism and democracy. The arrest and detention of Chinmoy Krishna Das, the attack on Advocate Ramen Roy, and the broader persecution of minorities in Bangladesh are stark reminders of the urgent need for action. For too long, the plight of Bangladesh’s religious minorities has been ignored by both the national and international community. This neglect has allowed the situation to deteriorate to a point where the very survival of these communities is at risk. Bangladesh stands at a precipice. Will it continue its descent into intolerance and religious authoritarianism, or will it rediscover the ideals of secularism and pluralism that once defined its national identity? The answer to this question will determine not only the future of Bangladesh’s minorities but also the nation’s place in the global community. The world must not remain silent in the face of such injustice. The time for action is now, for the cost of inaction will be measured in the lives of those who suffer and the moral fabric of a nation that is slowly unraveling.

(The author is foreign policy researcher, mostly writes on politics and foreign affairs for national and local newspapers. Views expressed are solely personal.)

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