‘Do you want to take the country backwards?’ Sri Sri Ravishankar condemns arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravishankar on Tuesday strongly condemned the arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in Bangladesh, describing it as a regressive step that tarnishes the nation’s image.
Speaking on the issue, he said, “It is unbecoming of a Prime Minister of a neighbouring country to arrest a spiritual leader. He is not taking weapons, he is not taking guns, he is caring for his people. He is just standing up for the rights and wants the government to hear the atrocities that are happening to the minorities there.”
Ravishankar expressed disappointment with the actions of Bangladesh’s leadership, stating, “Arresting religious priests is not going to do any good to them or to the people or to the country or even to the image of Bangladesh. We expect much more from Professor Mohammad Yunus who has got the Nobel Peace Prize for bringing peace and security to people and that’s why he has been put there as a Prime Minister. We will not expect him to take such action which would further create more tension between the communities and fear.”
Then, Ravishankar urged decisive action to safeguard minorities in Bangladesh. “We request the government of Bangladesh to please take care of their minorities and control the radical elements that ransacking your own country and its image. Bangladesh has been known as a very liberal and progressive country. Do you want to take the country backwards? It’s a very sorry state of affairs,” added the spiritual leader.

Sri Sri Ravishankar further hoped that the Indian government takes a firm stand and exert diplomatic pressure on Bangladesh to address the situation and called on international communities as well. ” hope the government of India also puts pressure and I call for the international community to not let this go the way it is going and put pressure to bring security and safety to the minorities and make people safe there,” he said.
Earlier, in the day the ministry of external affairs (MEA) had voiced “serious concern” over the arrest of the ISKON priest. In a statement, the MEA highlighted the plight of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, citing recent incidents of violence. “We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. This incident follows multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh,” the statement said.
The MEA also noted that while perpetrators of violence against minorities remain at large, a religious leader advocating for peaceful demands has been targeted. “It is unfortunate that charges should be pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings,” it added, calling on Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities.
Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was arrested Monday at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Local police confirmed the detention, but specific charges remain undisclosed. Reports indicate that Das was heading to Chattogram, where he and 18 others face charges for alleged disrespect of the national flag during a Hindu rally in Chattogram’s New Market area on October 30.
The arrest has sparked protests within Bangladesh’s Hindu community, with demonstrators demanding justice and protection for minorities.