Bangladesh: Sanatani leader Chinmoy Krishna Das arrested at Dhaka airport
Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, the spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, was arrested by police at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday. Das, a prominent Hindu (Sanatani) community advocate and member of the ISKCON Pundrik Dham, was reportedly detained by individuals identifying themselves as members of the Detective Branch of the police.
A Facebook page linked to Pundrik Dham shared a photo of Das and claimed he was “picked up” by the police at the airport. According to the Additional Commissioner of Dhaka Police, Chinmoy Krishna Das was taken into custody after a complaint was filed against him. The officer confirmed that he would be handed over to the appropriate police station, but the specific nature of the allegations against him has yet to be disclosed.
Gaurang Das Brahmachari, an organizer of the Bangladesh Sanatani Jagran Jote, told media outlets that Das was set to fly from Dhaka to Chittagong when he was detained. “We have heard that the police picked him up from the airport,” Gaurang Das said, expressing concern over the incident.
Chinmoy Krishna Das has been a vocal advocate for the rights and security of religious minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus. His efforts have focused on establishing a minority protection law, creating a speedy trial tribunal for cases involving persecution of minorities, and establishing a dedicated ministry for minority affairs. His campaigns gained national attention after he organized large rallies, including one in Chittagong on October 25 and another in Rangpur on November 22, both of which sparked significant political and social debate.
However, Das has also faced legal challenges. A sedition case was filed against him and 18 others at Kotwali Police Station in Chittagong on October 30. The charges stemmed from an incident during the October 25 rally, where a saffron flag was hoisted above the official flag of Bangladesh at Laldighi Maidan in Chattogram, raising controversy over national symbols.
As of now, the circumstances surrounding Chinmoy Krishna Das’s arrest remain unclear, with many speculating that it could be connected to his advocacy for minority rights and the controversial rally. His supporters are calling for his immediate release, while authorities have not disclosed further details.
