A massive protest is going on in Kolkata following Chinmoy Prabhu’s arrest. Demonstrators flood the streets, demanding his release amid widespread outrage. Members of the Bangiya Hindu Jagaran Manch organized a rally to the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission, protesting the persecution of the Hindu community and the arrest of spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh.
The protesters marching to the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission from Sealdah station were stopped by the police on their way. Bangladesh’s minority Hindus, which constitute only about 8 % of the 170 million population, have faced over 200 attacks in 50-odd districts since the fall of Sheikh Hasina ‘s Awami League government on August 5.
Hindu spiritual leader Das was arrested in a sedition case. Later, he was denied bail by a court, triggering protests by community members in several locations, including the capital Dhaka and the port city of Chattogram. Meanwhile, in Finland’s Helsinki protests sparked over the arrest of Hindu monk Prabhu Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh earlier this week. A group of Indians in the country gathered together in support of the Hindu religious leader with placards reading ‘Hindu Lives Matter.’ It comes as atrocities continue against minorities especially the Hindus in Bangladesh under Muhammad Yunus-led government.
Protests broke across many parts of Bangladesh following Chinmoy Das was denied bail and was sent to jail on charges of sedition by a Chittagong court Tuesday. The court issued the order amid protests by a large crowd of his followers outside the premises, according to the media reports.
Amid the violent protests, the Bangladesh police and security forces fired sound grenades, tear gas and charged batons at the protesters to disperse the crowd. Addressing his followers outside the Chittagong court, the ISKCON priest, Das urged his supporters to stay united and remain peaceful, avoid disrupting public order.
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