Monk’s Arrest: A new flashpoint in India-Bangladesh relation

Tensions have flared between India-Bangladesh following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu monk and spokesperson for a Bangladesh-based Hindu organisation. The incident has reignited disputes over the safety of minorities in Bangladesh, straining ties between the two neighbours.

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Das was arrested on sedition charges at Dhaka airport earlier this week. Bangladeshi authorities accuse him of disrespecting the national flag during a rally in Chittagong in October. Iskcon has condemned the arrest.

According to the reports in Bangladesh, the arrest led to protests by Das’s supporters, culminating in violent clashes in Chittagong. Police used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd after hundreds of demonstrators surrounded the prison van transporting Das. During the clashes, a Muslim lawyer, Saiful Islam Alif, was killed, and six people have been arrested in connection with the incident. Over 20 individuals have been detained for their alleged involvement in the violence.

The unrest has sparked concerns about potential communal tensions in Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority country where Hindus make up about 8% of the population. Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, called for calm, reaffirming his government’s commitment to preserving communal harmony.

The situation has drawn sharp reactions from India. The Indian government issued a statement expressing “deep concern” over the arrest of Das and urged Bangladesh to ensure the safety of Hindus and all minorities.

Bangladesh swiftly responded, expressing “utter dismay” at what it called the “misrepresentation” of the arrest by certain parties. Officials in Dhaka have denied India’s repeated claims about minority persecution, calling them unfounded.

Relations between India-Bangladesh, traditionally marked by warmth, have cooled in recent months. The tension began to rise between India-Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s former prime minister and a long-time ally of India, was ousted from power in August following weeks of nationwide unrest. Hasina has since sought refuge in India, complicating diplomatic relations between the two nations.

During Hasina’s 15-year tenure, Bangladesh played a vital role in India’s strategic and border security interests. The economic partnership between the countries also flourished under her leadership. However, her removal from office has led to growing uncertainties in bilateral ties.

The arrest of Das has further intensified the strained relationship. India’s repeated concerns about the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh have been a sensitive issue for Dhaka. While Indian officials view the protection of minorities as a matter of regional stability, Bangladeshi leaders argue that such statements interfere with their domestic affairs.

The situation remains volatile, with communal harmony in Bangladesh at stake and diplomatic tensions escalating. As both nations grapple with these challenges, the resolution of this latest conflict will require careful navigation to preserve the fragile relationship between the two neighbours.

India-Bangladesh has had a cordial relationship during the tenure of the ousted Prime Minister. Hasina is currently living in New Delhi and trying to seek political asylum in the western countries. She has been unable to secure a political asylum and is compelled to live in Delhi, straining ties between India-Bangladesh.

India-Bangladesh share a long history of cultural, political, and economic ties rooted in their shared struggle during the 1971 Liberation War, which led to Bangladesh’s independence with significant support from India. Over the years, the two nations have fostered cooperation in areas such as trade, security, energy, and connectivity. India has been instrumental in providing financial aid and developmental assistance to Bangladesh, while Bangladesh has supported India’s efforts to maintain border security and curb insurgencies in the northeastern states. However, the relationship has faced challenges, including disputes over the sharing of river waters, the condition of minorities, and border management. Despite occasional tensions, the partnership has been characterised by mutual benefits and a strategic alliance, particularly during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure as Bangladesh’s prime minister, which strengthened bilateral ties significantly.