India has once again called on Bangladesh to take measures to protect its minority communities, particularly after the recent arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das. Das, who was detained for allegedly "disrespecting the Bangladeshi flag" during a rally, was denied bail earlier this week, sparking growing concerns.

Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the Lok Sabha on Friday, noting that India had received numerous reports of violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. These reports include attacks on homes, businesses, and religious sites, particularly during the recent Durga Puja celebrations. Jaishankar specifically highlighted incidents such as the attack on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka, and a theft at the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple in Satkhira during the 2024 Durga Puja.

“The government has taken serious note of these incidents and expressed its concerns to the Government of Bangladesh,” Jaishankar said. He added that India’s position on the issue remains clear, urging Bangladesh’s interim government to fulfill its responsibility to protect all minorities. “We are concerned about the surge of extremist rhetoric and increasing incidents of violence and provocation. These developments cannot be dismissed merely as media exaggeration,” he stated.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also reiterated India’s concerns, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the rights of minorities. “We once again call upon Bangladesh to take all steps to protect minorities,” he said.

The unrest surrounding Das's arrest has intensified, with protests erupting in Chittagong and Dhaka this week. One person was killed and several others were injured in clashes with the police. Counter-protests have also emerged, with some groups demanding a ban on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).

The MEA also commented on the ongoing legal proceedings against Das, stating that it hopes these cases will be handled in a “fair, just and transparent manner.” The Ministry expressed confidence that all involved parties, including Das, would receive proper respect throughout the process.

ISKCON, a globally respected organization with a well-regarded track record of social service, has also become part of the conversation. It remains unclear whether Das was a member of ISKCON at the time of his arrest, as the organization’s representatives clarified that he had been expelled earlier for violating its discipline. ISKCON Bangladesh President Satya Ranjan Barai confirmed this, stating, “We expelled Chinmoy long before the case was filed against him. He was relieved of his duties, but he defied the order and continued his activities.”

Despite the expulsion, ISKCON expressed solidarity with Das following his arrest, with a post from the organization’s official social media handle showing support.

India’s continued pressure on Bangladesh to protect its minorities comes amid rising concerns over the safety of Hindus and other religious minorities in the country, with calls for stronger protective measures from the Bangladeshi government.