NEW DELHI: Andhra Pradesh deputy chief minister and actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan on Wednesday condemned the arrest of Iskcon priest Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh, calling for collective action to address the issue.
“Let’s all unite together in condemning the detention of Iskcon Bangladesh priest ‘Chinmoy Krishna Das’ by Bangladesh police,” Kalyan posted on X, urging the Bangladeshi government to take immediate action.
The deputy chief minister appealed to Bangladesh’s interim leader and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to intervene and put an end to “atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh.”
He also invoked historical ties between the nations, recalling India’s support in the formation of Bangladesh. “Indian Army blood has been spilled, our resources had been spent, our Army Jawans’ lives lost for Bangladesh’s formation. We are deeply disturbed by the way our Hindu brothers and sisters are being targeted,” he said, calling for intervention from the United Nations.
Kalyan’s statement came after the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, leader of the Hindu organisation Sammilita Sanatani Jote, by Bangladesh police on Monday near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.
Earlier on Tuesday, the ministry of external affairs expressed “deep concern” over the arrest and subsequent denial of bail to Das, as well as reports of attacks on minority communities protesting peacefully against his detention.
In a statement, the MEA urged Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of minorities. “We urge Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression,” the ministry said.