India and Bangladesh spar over Hindu monk’s arrest

The arrest of a Hindu monk in Bangladesh has triggered a fresh war of words with neighbour India over the condition of minorities in the country.

Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spokesperson of a Bangladesh-based Hindu organisation, was arrested on sedition charges this week, spurring clashes that led to one death.

India issued a statement expressing “deep concern” over the arrest and asking Bangladesh to ensure the safety “of Hindus and all minorities”.

Bangladesh responded hours later, expressing its “utter dismay” at the arrest being “misconstrued by certain quarters”.

Ties between the neighbours, who have traditionally shared a warm relationship, have been frosty since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power in August after weeks-long student protests that spiralled into nationwide unrest.

Since then, she has been staying in India, posing a challenge to diplomacy between the countries.

During Hasina’s 15-year tenure, Bangladesh was a strategic partner and ally crucial to India’s border security, particularly in the north-eastern states. The country has also gained financially because of its proximity with India.

But since her removal from office, India has repeatedly raised concerns about the safety of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, a claim Bangladesh denies.

Hindus are the largest minority in Muslim-majority Bangladesh, accounting for about eight per cent of the population.

The arrest of Mr Das from Dhaka airport on Monday has triggered fresh tensions. He is accused of disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag during a rally in the southern city of Chittagong in October.

His organisation, Iskcon, has denounced the arrest, calling Mr Das a “vocal advocate for minority protection”.

On Tuesday, a court in Chittagong denied bail to Mr Das. Police there said violence erupted after hundreds of his supporters surrounded the van that was taking him back to prison. Security forces used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd.

According to Bangladeshi officials, a Muslim lawyer, Saiful Islam Alif, was killed in the clash.

Police say they have arrested six people in connection with the killing. More than 20 people have been taken into custody in connection with the violence.

There were concerns that the incident could lead to communal tensions.

Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus has urged people to keep calm, saying that his government is committed to ensuring and upholding communal harmony.