Dhaka: India's claims about Chinmoy's arrest misrepresent facts

The government of Bangladesh has taken note of a statement issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs to the media today, Tuesday, regarding a matter related to Bangladesh's internal affairs.

With deep concern and regret, the Bangladesh government observes that the arrest of Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das has been misinterpreted by certain parties. Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on specific charges, as outlined in a press release.

Bangladesh firmly asserts that such baseless statements not only distort the facts but also contradict the spirit of friendship and mutual understanding between the two neighboring countries.

The statement fails to acknowledge the unity among people of all faiths in Bangladesh and the efforts of both the government and citizens to foster this harmony. It also neglects the Bangladesh government’s determination to eliminate the culture of impunity for those who commit severe human rights violations, ensuring equal treatment for both religious majorities and minorities.

Bangladesh reiterates that every citizen, regardless of their religious affiliation, has the right to freely practice their religion, express their beliefs, and engage in religious rituals without obstruction.

The safety and security of all citizens, especially those from religious minorities, is a key responsibility of the government. This was recently demonstrated by the peaceful observance of Durga Puja across the country just last month. The government also wishes to emphasize that Bangladesh's judiciary is independent, and the case is currently being addressed through the judicial process.

Furthermore, the Bangladesh government remains committed to maintaining communal harmony. It is deeply concerned by the brutal killing of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif in Chattogram on Tuesday afternoon. In response, authorities have increased security in the city to ensure that religious harmony is preserved at all costs.