STATEMENT: JMBF Deeply Concerned and Condemns the Arrest and Detention of Chinmoy Krishna Das: Urges Immediate Unconditional Release

Paris, France; November 26, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, expresses its profound outrage and strongest condemnation of the unjust arrest and detention of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a revered Hindu priest and leading advocate for minority rights in Bangladesh.

His abrupt apprehension on November 25, 2024, at Hazrat Shah Jalal International Airport in Dhaka and subsequent transfer to Chattogram under fabricated charges of sedition, represent yet another dark chapter in the systematic suppression of minority voices and democratic freedoms in Bangladesh under the interim government led by Nobel laureate Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

Robert Simon, a prominent French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF stated, "The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari is a troubling sign of rising intolerance and shrinking democratic space in Bangladesh. Targeting a religious minority leader who peacefully advocates for justice is a blatant attempt to silence critical voices. This arrest must be condemned globally, and immediate action is needed to secure his release."

JMBF asserts that Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari has been at the forefront of efforts to protect and empower the Sanatani Hindu community in Bangladesh. He courageously raised eight critical demands to end minority persecution. His advocacy is not a crime—it is a service to justice. The charges of sedition leveled against him following a peaceful public rally are baseless and politically motivated, designed to intimidate those fighting for minority rights.

JMBF believes that the charges against Chinmoy Krishna, particularly accusations of "sedition" and disrespecting the national flag, are baseless and politically motivated. These charges stem from his peaceful advocacy for the rights and safety of religious minorities, including his leadership during the October 25, 2024 rally in Chattogram, where he presented legitimate demands for justice and equality. His courageous stance against rising violence, including his recent speech at the Rangpur protest, has made him a target of the government’s oppressive tactics.

Advocate Shahanur Islam, a prominent Bangladeshi human rights activist and Founder President of JMBF emphasized, "Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari’s arrest is not an isolated incident but part of widespread human rights violations in Bangladesh. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, is using state power to suppress dissent and target minorities. This judicial harassment is a dangerous misuse of authority, and Bangladesh must uphold its commitments to protect religious and cultural diversity, as enshrined in its constitution and international treaties."

JMBF asserts that this unjust action, under the interim government led by Nobel laureate Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, represents a gross violation of human rights and an affront to the principles of justice, equality, and freedom of expression. It is part of a broader pattern of intimidation and harassment of minority leaders, activists, and communities in Bangladesh.

JMBF also notes that under the current interim government, attacks on minorities have surged alarmingly. Temples, homes, and businesses belonging to Hindus and other minorities have been systematically targeted, yet the authorities have failed to act. Instead, they have chosen to persecute leaders like Chinmoy Krishna, who dare to speak out against these atrocities.

JMBF believes that the hoisting of a saffron flag, a cultural and religious symbol of the Hindu community, being framed as a seditious act, is a glaring example of how the government manipulates symbols of faith to stoke fear and justify suppression. This exploitation of the judiciary and law enforcement to suppress dissent is a gross violation of both national and international human rights standards.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France Demands:

1. The Immediate Release of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari: The charges against him must be dropped, and his dignity restored.
2. An End to the Misuse of Legal Provisions: The government must cease weaponizing laws such as sedition to suppress minority voices.
3. Accountability for Perpetrators of Minority Violence: Establish an independent tribunal to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the escalating attacks on minorities.
4. Protection of Minority Rights: Implement laws and policies that guarantee the safety, security, and equality of all religious and ethnic communities in Bangladesh.

Call to the International Community

JMBF calls upon the international community, including the United Nations, European Union, and human rights organizations, to intervene and hold the Bangladeshi government accountable for its actions. The global community must not remain silent as democracy and pluralism in Bangladesh are systematically dismantled.

Message of Solidarity

JMBF stands in solidarity with Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, the Hindu community, and all marginalized groups in Bangladesh. This is not just a fight for one man’s freedom but a fight for the soul of Bangladesh—a nation built on the principles of inclusivity, justice, and tolerance.

JMBF urges the people of Bangladesh and the global community to unite in demanding justice for Chinmoy Krishna and all those who continue to suffer under oppressive policies. The time to act is now.

Thank you

Mosa Jannatul Ferdaus

Chief Coordinator & Executive Member

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)

Email: info@jmbf.org | Website: www.jmbf.org

Incident Report: Arrest and Detention of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari

The Arrest (November 25, 2024):

1. Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a revered Hindu priest and a prominent voice for minority rights in Bangladesh, was apprehended by officials claiming to represent the Detective Branch (DB) of the Bangladesh Police. The arrest took place at Hazrat Shah Jalal International Airport, Dhaka, as he was preparing to board a flight to Chattogram. This abrupt and unannounced detention raised immediate concerns among his followers and supporters.

2. Transfer to Chattogram:
   Following the arrest, Chinmoy Krishna was transported under tight security to Chattogram, where he was held overnight. The next day, he was presented before the Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate Court amidst a significant law enforcement presence.

3. The Charges:
   Chinmoy Krishna’s detention was linked to a sedition case filed earlier on October 30, 2024, at Kotwali Police Station, Chattogram. The case accused him of "conspiracy against national sovereignty" and disrespecting the national flag during a rally held at Laldighi Maidan, Chattogram, on October 25, 2024. These charges, widely criticized as unfounded, reflect increasing political pressures against activists advocating for minority rights.

Background and Context

1. The October 25 Rally and Demands:
   On October 25, 2024, Chinmoy Krishna led a significant gathering at Laldighi Maidan in Chattogram. The rally attracted thousands of attendees and focused on the struggles faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh. The movement put forth eight demands, including:
   • Establishing a tribunal for minority protection.
   • Enacting specific laws to safeguard minority rights.
   • Creating a Ministry for Minorities to address their grievances.
   • Putting an end to systemic violence and discrimination against minority communities.

   Despite being peaceful, the rally was later used to file sedition charges against Chinmoy Krishna, a move perceived as politically motivated.

2. Rising Minority Violence:
   The arrest comes amidst escalating violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus. Over recent months, attacks on temples, homes, and businesses have spiked, leading to widespread fear and insecurity. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has faced harsh criticism for failing to protect these vulnerable groups.

3. The Rangpur Protest (November 22, 2024):
   Days before his arrest, Chinmoy Krishna delivered a passionate speech at a large gathering in Rangpur, condemning atrocities committed against Hindus and calling for justice. His criticism of government inaction likely intensified the pressures against him, setting the stage for his eventual detention.

4. The Saffron Flag Controversy:
   A contentious element of the sedition charge involves the alleged hoisting of a saffron flag at the October 25 rally. While this flag symbolizes Hindu cultural and religious identity, authorities interpreted it as a challenge to national sovereignty. Legal experts have dismissed this allegation as baseless and an overreach by the authorities.

Court Proceedings

1. Court Appearance (November 26, 2024):
   On the morning of November 26, Chinmoy Krishna was brought to the Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate Court under heavy security. Supporters and community members gathered outside the courthouse in large numbers, chanting slogans of solidarity, including “Jai Shri Ram.”

2. Bail Request:
   Chinmoy Krishna’s defense team argued for his release on bail, emphasizing his peaceful advocacy and the lack of evidence to substantiate the sedition charges. Despite these appeals, the court denied bail and ordered him to jail custody, further inflaming tensions.

3. Religious Rights in Custody:
   During the hearing, Chinmoy Krishna requested permission to practice his religious rituals while in detention. While the court directed prison authorities to adhere to the prison code, it did not explicitly ensure his freedom to worship, leaving his supporters concerned about his treatment in custody.

Reactions and Aftermath

1. Protests Across Bangladesh:
   Chinmoy Krishna’s arrest triggered nationwide protests, with demonstrations erupting in major cities such as Dhaka, Chattogram, Cumilla, Khulna, Dinajpur, and Cox's Bazar. Protesters decried the arrest as an act of oppression against minorities and demanded his immediate release.

2. Community and Activist Outcry:
   Leaders of the Hindu community and minority rights advocates condemned the arrest as part of a larger campaign of harassment and intimidation. They emphasized that Chinmoy Krishna’s demands for justice and equality were well within the bounds of lawful and peaceful activism.

3. International Human Rights Concerns:
   Prominent human rights organizations have expressed alarm over the misuse of legal provisions to suppress dissent. The arrest highlights systemic issues within Bangladesh’s judicial and law enforcement systems, which are often used to target vulnerable groups.

Wider Implications

1. Bangladesh’s Political Climate:
   The interim government under Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus has faced mounting criticism for its failure to address minority rights and uphold democratic principles. Reports of shrinking civic space, curbs on free speech, and state-sponsored harassment have drawn international scrutiny.

2. Global Reactions:
   The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna, a highly regarded religious leader, has underscored the precarious position of minorities in Bangladesh. Advocacy groups and global institutions are calling for accountability and urging international intervention to ensure justice.

Conclusion

The arrest and detention of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by religious minorities and their advocates in Bangladesh. It reflects a broader struggle for justice and equality in a nation grappling with rising intolerance and political suppression.

For Chinmoy Krishna and those who stand with him, this battle transcends individual grievances—it represents a collective fight for the dignity, safety, and rights of marginalized communities across the country. The call for his release is not just about one man; it is about the survival of pluralism and democracy in Bangladesh.

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JMBF is an independent non-profit, nonpartisan human rights organization registered in France with registration number W931027714 under the association law of 1901, dedicated to defending human rights, fighting for justice, and empowering communities in Bangladesh and beyond.