Chinmoy’s arrest misinterpreted, Bangladesh tells UN

Bangladesh has informed the United Nations that the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a leader of the Sanatan Jagaran Mancha, has been misinterpreted.

The Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN and other international organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Tariq Mohammad Ariful Islam, made these remarks in a statement.

In a message received in Dhaka late on Friday (November 29), it was reported that the statement was made on Thursday during the 17th session of the UN Minority Forum in Geneva, where Bangladesh’s Ambassador addressed the issue.

In his statement, Ariful said, “We are deeply disappointed to see that some speakers have misinterpreted the arrest of Sri Chinmoy Das, which was made on specific charges.” He further mentioned that the matter is being resolved through the court.

He added, “Unfortunately, while the people of Bangladesh are setting an exemplary model of religious harmony, we are witnessing exaggerated, baseless, and fabricated reports, along with deliberate misinformation and confusion about minority oppression from vested interests. Regrettably, we have seen this even in this forum.”

The Permanent Representative also stated, “Global media has rejected many such propaganda, and the interim government is ready to welcome foreign journalists to visit Bangladesh to observe the situation firsthand.”

He emphasised that every Bangladeshi citizen, regardless of religious identity, has the right to practice their religion or express their views freely. Ensuring the security of all citizens, including minorities, is a core principle of Bangladesh’s interim government.

Ariful further remarked that the top leadership has repeatedly assured religious leaders from minority communities of their religious rights. He added that the interim government has consistently demonstrated its commitment to these rights during its first 100 days in office. Two advisers from the minority community have also been appointed.

He stated, “Despite the recent brutal killing of a Muslim lawyer, the immediate intervention of the Bangladesh government, along with the support of religious leaders from all faiths, has helped maintain peace and avoid any unpleasant incidents.”

He added, “Our government remains vigilant and will take immediate action to maintain religious harmony and thwart any attempts to undermine the rights of minorities.”

He explained, “The violence that occurred after August 5 in Bangladesh was rooted in political and personal reasons, not communal ones. Most of the affected individuals were Muslim, with only a few belonging to other religious minority groups.”

Referring to the absence of any planned attacks on minorities, Ariful stated, “Instead, after the mass uprising in July, the world saw how Bangladesh's entire society, following its long-standing tradition of communal harmony, stepped forward to protect minorities.”

He concluded, “Under the leadership of Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the interim government of Bangladesh enjoys an unprecedented and historic mandate from people of all religions in the country.”