Dhaka:

Three Hindu temples were vandalised by a slogan-shouting mob on Friday in Bangladesh’s Chattogram which has witnessed protests and violence since a former ISKCON member was booked under sedition charges.

The attack took place around 2:30 pm in the port city’s Harish Chandra Munsef Lane, where the Shantaneshwari Matri Temple, the nearby Shoni Temple, and the Shantaneshwari Kalibari Temple were targeted, news portal BDNews24.com reported.

“A group of several hundred slogan-shouting people threw brickbats at the temples, damaging the Shoni Temple and the gates of the other two temples,” the news portal quoted temple authorities as saying.

Kotwali Police Station chief Abdul Karim confirmed the attack, saying that assailants attempted to damage the temples.

Police, however, said the damage to the temples was minimal after the confrontation between the two sides, with both groups throwing brickbats at each other, it added.

Tapan Das, a permanent member of the Shantineshwari Main Temple management committee, told bdnews24.com: “A procession of hundreds arrived after the Juma prayers. They started shouting anti-Hindu and anti-ISKCON slogans.” “We did not obstruct the attackers. When the situation worsened, we called the army, who arrived quickly and helped restore order. All the temple gates were closed before noon. The miscreants arrived unprovoked and carried out the attack,” BDNews24.com said further quoting him.

Spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former member of International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) of Bangladesh, was arrested in connection with a sedition case on Monday and denied bail on Tuesday.

It triggered protests by Hindu community members in various locations in Bangladesh, including in the capital Dhaka and Chattogram.

On October 30, a sedition case was filed against 19 people, including Das, at Chattogram’s Kotwali Police Station, accusing them of disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag in Chattogram’s New Market area during a rally of the Hindu community.

On Tuesday, New Delhi expressed concern over the leader’s arrest and denial of bail, and asked Bangladesh to ensure the safety of Hindus and other minorities.

The week’s anti-Hindu incidents have led to a diplomatic row between the two South Asian neighbours.

India on Friday said the interim government in Bangladesh must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities as it expressed serious concern over the “surge” of extremist rhetoric and increasing incidents of violence against Hindus as well as attacks on temples.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told Parliament that India has taken serious note of incidents of violence against minorities in Bangladesh and that it is the primary responsibility of Dhaka to protect the life and liberty of all the citizens, including minorities.

On the other hand, Bangladesh on Friday expressed deep concern over the violent protest at the Deputy High Commission in Kolkata and urged New Delhi to ensure the safety of all its diplomatic missions in India.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

London:

Bob Blackman, a Conservative Member of Parliament for Harrow East in the United Kingdom condemned the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh.

Addressing the parliament on Thursday, Mr Blackman showed his concern by the attempt of a High Court in Bangladesh to ban ISKCON from the country.

In a post on X, he attached a video of himself speaking in the parliament and said, “Today, I condemned the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and the imprisonment of Chinmoy Krishna Das. I am also concerned by the attempt in their High Court to rule that ISKCON should be banned from the country. Freedom of religion must be preserved globally.”

Today, I condemned the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and the imprisonment of Chinmoy Krishna Das.

I am also concerned by the attempt in their High Court to rule that #ISKCON should be banned from the country.

Freedom of religion must be preserved globally. pic.twitter.com/eYjWv5cl0Y

— Bob Blackman (@BobBlackman) November 28, 2024

He said that Hindus in Bangladesh are now subject to death, with their spiritual leader being arrested and their houses being burnt. He added that the UK has a responsibility to look into the matter because they had enabled Bangladesh’s independence.

“Now, right now, Mr Speaker, the International Society of Krishna Consciousness, who run Bhaktaventa Manor in Elstree, the largest Hindu temple in this country, in Bangladesh, their spiritual leader is under arrest. Hindus across Bangladesh are being subject literally to death by their houses being burnt, their temples are being burnt. And there was an attempt today in the Bangladesh High Court to rule that ISKCON should be banned from the country. This is a direct attack on Hindus. Now this is a threat from India now to take action. We have a responsibility because we enabled Bangladesh to be free and independent,” he said.

Mr Blackman urged the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to provide an oral statement on the floor of the House to enable them to bring world’s attention to Bangladesh.

“Now whatever the change of government has been in Bangladesh it cannot be acceptable that religious minorities are persecuted in this way. So far we’ve only had a written statement from the FCDO so could the leader enable an oral statement on the floor of this house so we can bring to the world’s attention what is going on in Bangladesh,” he said.

Lucy Powell, Labour and Co-op MP for Manchester Central, echoed Mr Blackman’s views and said that she would ask the Foreign Office to look into the Bangladesh situation.

“He is absolutely right to highlight these issues. We support freedom of religion, belief everywhere, and that includes in Bangladesh. And I will certainly ask the Foreign Office to look into whether they can come forward with a statement about what’s happening to Hindus in Bangladesh,” she said.

ISKCON on Thursday expressed solidarity with priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested on charges of sedition for allegedly raising a flag on a stand displaying Bangladesh’s national flag.

In a post on X, ISKCON, Inc. stated, “ISKCON, Inc. stands with Chinmoy Krishna Das. Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of all these devotees.”

Iskcon,Inc. stands with Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das. Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of all these devotees.

— Iskcon,Inc. (@IskconInc) November 28, 2024

Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was arrested on charges of sedition for allegedly raising a flag on a stand displaying Bangladesh’s national flag. He was presented before a Chittagong court on Tuesday, which denied his bail plea and remanded him in custody.

The arrest has sparked widespread outrage, with many demanding his immediate release.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

The Indian National Congress has expressed “deep concern” over “atmosphere of insecurity” faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh, citing the recent arrest of religious leader and spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote, Chinmoy Krishna Das.

In a statement, Congress leader Pawan Khera called on the central government to take action and urged the Indian government to press the Bangladesh government to take necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of minorities in the country.

“The Indian National Congress expresses its deep concern at the atmosphere of insecurity being faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh. The arrest of the ISCKON monk is the latest example. The Indian National Congress expects government of India to prevail upon the Bangladesh government to take necessary steps and ensure security of life and property of minorities in the country,” the AICC Chairman of Media and Publicity said.

The statement came in the wake of religious leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari at Dhaka airport on Monday, as reported by the Daily Star.

According to the Dhaka Tribune, Brahmachari appeared before Judge Kazi Shariful Islam of the Chittagong Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court at 11 am on Tuesday. His lawyers filed a bail petition, but it was rejected, and he was ordered to be sent to jail.

A case has been filed against Chinmoy Krishna Das on charges of sedition, accusing him of raising a flag on a stand displaying Bangladesh’s national flag. However, the complainant has since expressed unwillingness to pursue the case, a minority leader stated.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday, in response to the arrest, urged the Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety and security of Hindus.”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,” the statement said.

“This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities’ homes and business establishments, as well as theft and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples,” the statement added.

Notably, the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry, in an official statement, said that the government was firm to uphold ‘religious harmony’ in the country, irrespective of religious affiliation.

“Bangladesh’s government is firm to uphold religious harmony in Bangladesh, irrespective of religious affiliation, and uphold the rule of law for every Bangladeshi, without distinction, under the laws of the land,” the statement read.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

The political churn in Bangladesh is that country’s “internal matter” but India is keen to continue what was a stable relationship, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told NDTV Tuesday afternoon, underlining the maxim that neighbouring nations are “dependent on each other”.

In a wide-ranging interview Mr Jaishankar touched on Russia’s war on Ukraine and Delhi’s potential peacemaker role in that conflict, as well as Iran leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s remark, the war in Gaza, and a flurry of foreign visits in the first 100 days of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term.

“What happens is their internal matter. Bangladesh is our neighbour and the relationship, on our part, is something we want to keep stable. We have good trade… our people-to-people ties are good… I want to keep the relationship that way,” Mr Jaishankar said on the Bangladesh crisis.

Bangladesh battled civil unrest and violence last month – the result of a student-led movement against quota in government jobs – that forced then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign. Ms Hasina fled Dhaka in a military aircraft to land at an Air Force base near Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad.

She was expected to proceed to London to claim political asylum but British Home Office sources told NDTV its rules do not allow people to travel to that country to seek asylum or temporary refuge.

READ | What Are Ex Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina’s Plans? India Says…

For now, Ms Hasina is believed to be in the custody of Indian intelligence agencies.

Last month Mr Jaishankar told Parliament Ms Hasina’s office had requested permission to flee Dhaka for Delhi “at very short notice”. At an all-party briefing he said the Indian government was prepared to give Ms Hasina time to decide on her next steps, which could include political retirement.

READ | Want Good Ties With India But On Basis Of “Equality”: Md Yunus

Last week Nobel laureate Md Yunus – who leads an interim government – said his country too wants to maintain its previous good relationship with India, but that these ties should reflect “fairness and equality”. Mr Yunus said he had received a congratulatory phone call from Prime Minister Modi.

“We want the world to recognise Bangladesh as a respected democracy,” the 84-year-old, who opted for a ‘Chief Advisor’ title rather than ‘Prime Minister’, said in his first address to his nation.

READ | “Stay Silent In India Till…”: Md Yunus’ Message To Sheikh Hasina

For Ms Hasina, the Chief Advisor had stern warning, demanding she must remain silent to prevent compromising the two countries’ relationship till her extradition is sought. “If India wants to keep her till Bangladesh wants her back, the condition would be that she has to keep quiet,” he said.

NDTV is now available on WhatsApp channels. Click on the link to get all the latest updates from NDTV on your chat.

New Delhi:

The political churn in Bangladesh is that country’s “internal matter” but India is keen to continue what was a stable relationship, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told NDTV Tuesday afternoon, underlining the maxim that neighbouring nations are “dependent on each other”.

In a wide-ranging interview Mr Jaishankar touched on Russia’s war on Ukraine and Delhi’s potential peacemaker role in that conflict, as well as Iran leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s remark, the war in Gaza, and a flurry of foreign visits in the first 100 days of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term.

“What happens is their internal matter. Bangladesh is our neighbour and the relationship, on our part, is something we want to keep stable. We have good trade… our people-to-people ties are good… I want to keep the relationship that way,” Mr Jaishankar said on the Bangladesh crisis.

Bangladesh battled civil unrest and violence last month – the result of a student-led movement against quota in government jobs – that forced then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign. Ms Hasina fled Dhaka in a military aircraft to land at an Air Force base near Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad.

She was expected to proceed to London to claim political asylum but British Home Office sources told NDTV its rules do not allow people to travel to that country to seek asylum or temporary refuge.

READ | What Are Ex Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina’s Plans? India Says…

For now, Ms Hasina is believed to be in the custody of Indian intelligence agencies.

Last month Mr Jaishankar told Parliament Ms Hasina’s office had requested permission to flee Dhaka for Delhi “at very short notice”. At an all-party briefing he said the Indian government was prepared to give Ms Hasina time to decide on her next steps, which could include political retirement.

READ | Want Good Ties With India But On Basis Of “Equality”: Md Yunus

Last week Nobel laureate Md Yunus – who leads an interim government – said his country too wants to maintain its previous good relationship with India, but that these ties should reflect “fairness and equality”. Mr Yunus said he had received a congratulatory phone call from Prime Minister Modi.

“We want the world to recognise Bangladesh as a respected democracy,” the 84-year-old, who opted for a ‘Chief Advisor’ title rather than ‘Prime Minister’, said in his first address to his nation.

READ | “Stay Silent In India Till…”: Md Yunus’ Message To Sheikh Hasina

For Ms Hasina, the Chief Advisor had stern warning, demanding she must remain silent to prevent compromising the two countries’ relationship till her extradition is sought. “If India wants to keep her till Bangladesh wants her back, the condition would be that she has to keep quiet,” he said.

NDTV is now available on WhatsApp channels. Click on the link to get all the latest updates from NDTV on your chat.

Remains of the Gazi auto tyre factory warehouse in Narayanganj, that continued to burn through August 27, 2024
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

A massive fire that began on August 25 in one of the largest tyre factories of Bangladesh is turning out to be a great human tragedy. Located in the industrial township of Narayanganj near Dhaka, the Gazi auto tyre factory of Rupshi, owned by Golam Dastgir Gazi, chairman of the once powerful Gazi group, is well known in the area.

The fortune of the Gazi group began to change with the fall of the Hasina government on August 5. Mr. Gazi, who was the Minister of Textile and Jute under Ms. Hasina was arrested on August 25. He had earlier gone into hiding.

Some time after the news of Mr. Gazi’s arrest was telecast, a large crowd gathered from nearby areas and raided the main warehouse in the back of the tyre factory that had many items, including a large amount of inflammable liquid substances.

ALSO READ: Bangladesh’s student movement and Hasina’s exit: the hard truth and India’s hour of reckoning

The exact size of the crowd that raided the five-storied warehouse is not known. According to store assistant Russel Hossein, who spoke to The Hindu, the size of the crowd filled up the entire staircase of the warehouse, indicating that there were several hundred people, who had turned up to cart away the materials hoping to earn some cash by selling them in the nearby scrap market.

“I saw men, women and even children had turned up to take away wires, rubber sheets and canisters full of liquid items,” said Mr. Hossein, recollecting the evening of August 25.

As the people entered the warehouse, a fire began in the lower portion of the building, which trapped everyone upstairs. “We stood at a distance and it turned totally dark as large explosions were heard from inside the warehouse. No one could escape. The fire spread fast,” said Mr. Hossein. The irony was that the store assistants and guards like Mr. Hossein were reportedly beaten up by the crowd before they broke into the warehouse.

The news of fire in the Gazi auto tyre factory was telecast in the morning of August 26 by TV channels as an attack by miscreants on the Gazi group-owned facility. However soon, family members began to turn up outside the tall gates of the unit, which brought to attention of the fire service and the district authorities that the fire was more than an incident of massive arson.

ALSO READ: A silent democratic backlash in South Asia

Sharyar Apu came to the factory in the evening of August 25, said his father Mohammed Umar Ali, who stood outside the facility for more than a day. Mr. Ali narrated to The Hindu that those who are missing are not labourers of the Gazi group.

“He had come here with his friends. They were young men,” recounted Mr. Ali, explaining that his son had come to the factory like many others that evening with the intention of taking items.

The multi-storied storage facility held sulphur, carbon black and unknown chemical agents that were supplied to other units of the Gazi group. Khadija Begum like Mr. Ali wept while narrating that her son-in-law had also come onto the premises with the crowd and has been missing since the evening of August 25.

Some of those who entered the Gazi auto tyre factory on August 25 and has been missing ever since had made brief phone calls, claiming that they were surrounded by fire and sought help. Nothing more has been heard about them.

Fire service officials and factory guards who met The Hindu claimed that the high intensity fire was fuelled by industry grade chemical agents that probably ignited because of careless handling by the raiding crowd which had broken into the facility after beating the guards and store keepers.

Till evening of Tuesday, the authorities maintained that at least 168 to 178 individuals had been missing because of the fire though wailing relatives outside the gate informed that the actual figure was much higher.

Mahmudul Haq, the District Collector who was controlling the emotionally charged crowd, said, “They literally rushed to commit suicide,” adding that strong policing could have prevented the tragedy from taking place.