THE ARREST OF CHINMOY KRISHNA DAS BABU: ALL ABOUT BANGLADESH CRISIS
– SANCHIT NADANWAR
(HRDI SCHOLAR)
Introduction
One of Bangladesh’s toughest times was the political storms which erupted with communal hostilities and worsened relations with its closest ally, India. Chinmoy Krishna Das Babu AKA Babu was a major Hindu leader and social activist arrested that formed a flashpoint in the crisis:an emblem of growing vulnerabilities among minority communities amidst the country’s transition. To understand the seriousness of this situation, it is necessary to trace the timeline of events and study the interplay between politics, communal violence, and diplomacy.
The Fall of Sheikh Hasina: The Beginning of the Crisis (Background)
The roots of the current crisis go back to August 2024, when Bangladesh was swept up in widespread protests against the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Corruptionallegations, authoritarian governance, and economic mismanagement had long been mounting, but popular frustration had finally reached its boiling point. Protests began erupting across the country, cutting across lines of class and politics.
Under severe strain, Sheikh Hasina stepped down and fled to India as a refugee. Her long time as the head of government for ten years ended with an abrupt political vacuum. It was then that the Bangladesh Armed Forces, stepping into the role of stabilizer, announced an emergency and put
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus in charge of the caretaker government. At first, it was a great reform promise, but quickly the caretaker administration struggled hard to keep the order intact.
Communal Violence: An Old Problem Gains Momentum
This political upheaval created an excellent soil for communal conflict, especially at the expense of the Hindu minority, who form less than 10% of Bangladesh’s population. The Hindu community in Bangladesh has long been marginalized and subjected to frequent violence, discrimination, and cultural erasure.
In the months after Hasina’s resignation, these tensions reached alarming levels. Between September and October 2024, more than 1,000 incidents of anti-Hindu violence were reported. These ranged from attacks on temples to the looting of homes and destruction of businesses. In some cases, entire villages were targeted. The inability of the interim government to stop these
incidents drew severe criticism from human rights organizations in Bangladesh and abroad.
The voices for justice and protection by the Hindu community went unheard, adding to alienation and despair in a minority population. It was at this time that activists and leaders like Chinmoy Krishna Das Babu began to demand justice for Hindus in Bangladesh and became their
voice.
Strained India-Bangladesh Relations
With growing proportions of communal violence, the well-being and safety of Hindus in Bangladesh now become India’s primary concern. Increasing skepticism towards stability in the political scenario on the eastern side now meant India had to take more active interventionist measures in Bangladesh relations.
India summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner several times in September and October of 2024 and sought assurances on protecting minority communities. Indian media also added to the issue, creating an extremely important political discourse around the responsibility for ensuring
communal harmony in Bangladesh.
However such interventions were resisted in Dhaka. The interim government, confronted with its problems, was quick to accuse India of interference in its internal affairs. It was then that the India-Bangladesh relationship took a turn for the worse; bilateral trust had significantly eroded.
Chinmoy Krishna Das Babu: The Change Agent
Chinmoy Krishna Das Babu has been a voice for the Hindu minority in Bangladesh for quite some time. From being a religious leader to a socio political figure fighting for justice and equality, he has been very persistent, determined, and committed to the welfare of his community. His arrest on November 29, 2024, not only led to protests but also highlighted the
systemic marginalization of minorities in Bangladesh.
• Early Life and Role in Hindu Advocacy
Chinmoy Krishna Das Babu was born in a small village in the Sylhet region, observing every day the struggles of the Hindu minority. His family background rich in religion and socialservice had made him want to take up the activist path. He rose to become a leading figure in the Hindu community by conducting prayers, arranging social welfare programs, and raising
awareness of minority rights over the years.
His advocacy went further beyond religious issues and became more socio-political, involving issues of rights on land, education, and preservation of culture for the minority Hindus. His speeches were more focused on unity among Hindus and on the fight against injustice, so
appreciated and criticized.
• Leadership in Crisis
The political turmoil in Bangladesh which broke out after Sheikh Hasina resigned in August 2024 marked the final turning point in Babu’s activism. Babu came forward as a leader with communal violence rife across the country, organizing peaceful rallies and clamoring for accountability from the interim government.
He became a symbol for the Hindus, making thousands march the streets to bring world attention to Bangladesh’s minorities. He cited reasons in his public speeches based on institutional: the law did not protect it; the successive government could not promise equal rights for Hindus.
• Charge and Detention
His increasing influence and vocal dissent of the interim government caught Babu’s attention. Babu was arrested on November 29, 2024, in Dhaka by the charges of sedition. The government claimed his speeches encouraged violence and threatened the nation and charged him with sowing dissent among the people about the government’s legitimacy and failure to ensure the safety of minority people; such statements have been classified as inflammatory.
Although the charges were legally framed, human rights organizations and his supporters argued that this arrest was politically motivated. They claimed that Babu’s detention was trying to silence his dissent and divert people’s attention from the government’s failures in addressing communal violence.
• The Aftermath of the Arrest
The arrest triggered instant outrage in Bangladesh and its neighboring state, India. Thousands of demonstrators came out in cities such as Dhaka, Sylhet, and Chittagong and demanded the release of Babu and the protection of minority rights. Demonstrators were carrying placards with slogans such as “Justice for Chinmoy Krishna Das” and “Stop Targeting Hindus.”.
Hindu organizations and political leaders in India condemned the arrest as a violation of human rights. The issue became a focal point in India’s diplomatic engagement with Bangladesh, where Indian officials urged their Bangladeshi counterparts to release Babu and address the broader concerns of minority safety.
• Symbol of Resistance and Hope
For the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Babu was their struggle for justice and equality, which continues to this day. Detained, he became the rallying point for activists and community leaders who saw the arrest as an attack on collective identity.
His activism resonated with those beyond the Hindu community; there was support among other marginalized communities in Bangladesh who identified with the cries for justice and accountability. Babu’s importance on peaceful protest and non-violence meant he was even respected by people who did not agree with him regarding methods.
• Challenges Ahead
As Babu remains behind bars, his supporters are left with the arduous task of sustaining their movement. The interim government has done little to contact the protesters or have their demands met as it maintains that the law was satisfied by Babu’s arrest.
Another criticism area has been the legal procedure associated with his case. His bail hearing has been postponed to January 2025, which has been interpreted as a delaying tactic in his detention and to slow the growing protests.
• General Conclusion
The Chinmoy Krishna Das Babu case goes beyond the isolated incident and speaks to the larger issue of this transition period in Bangladesh. The case brought into focus how systemically marginalized minorities are and challenges faced by the interim government to maintain communal harmony and the limitations faced by such management.
Babu’s detention becomes the litmus test for Bangladesh in terms of commitment to human rights and democratic principles in front of the international community. His arrest has now brought to light the fragile relationship between Bangladesh and India as New Delhi continues to
press for action to protect minorities even as it balances its broader strategic interests in the
region.
Role of Indian Envoy Pranoy Verma
This is where the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma has played a significant role in negotiating this diplomatic crisis. He has met officials in Bangladesh multiple times, briefed them on the protection of minority rights, and urged for Babu’s immediate release.
The other related issue Verma brought forward was the long-term impacts of this crisis on India- Bangladesh relations, particularly on economic and security cooperation. Even while doing so, the Bangladesh government continued insisting that this was a law issue wherein any external
influence would not make them change their position.
An exceptional diplomat from India, Pranay Kumar Verma is among those who have helped fortify Bangladesh-India bilateral relationship relations since he became a high commissioner there in October of 2022. By doing so, these connections have enhanced the relations related to the economic, social, and cultural interests of Bangladesh as well as India.
Economic Engagements: Under Verma’s leadership, India and Bangladesh have witnessed tremendous growth in trade and connectivity. He has emphasized the importance of robust economic relations, highlighting that “connectivity serves as a driver of New Delhi’s growing relations with Dhaka.” Initiatives such as the launch of 40 MW power transmission from Nepal to
Bangladesh through the Indian grid exemplify this commitment.
Social Initiatives: Verma has stressed the two nations’ common history and cultural ties that go way back to the Liberation War of 1971. He has promoted people-to-people contact, asserting that “the peace, security, progress, and prosperity of the two countries are interlinked.” He has built mutual understanding and cooperation over social issues, such as human rights and
social justice.
Cultural Collaborations: Knowing that India and Bangladesh have strong cultural relations, Verma promoted cultural exchanges and cooperation. He has focused on how common cultural ties contribute to stronger bilateral relationships that allow each country to value and understand the traditions and values of the other country. Pranoy Kumar Verma’s diplomatic initiatives have enhanced the economic, social, and cultural rights in the region, ensuring an open atmosphere that contributes to both India and Bangladesh
Major Issues and Wider Implications
The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Babu is symbolic of several issues that have defined this crisis:
• Minority Rights: The Hindu population in Bangladesh has endured decades of marginalization, and this new spike in violence confirms systemic shortcomings that plague the people.
• India-Bangladesh Relations: The crisis has strained bilateral relations, with both nations reverting to increasingly defensive positions. India’s concerns over minority rights have been received with accusations of interference from Dhaka.
• Political Instability: The failure on part of the caretaker government to gain control over law and order has even questioned its legitimacy and the capability it could provide to get the nation through this transition process.
• Regional Security: For India, instability in Bangladesh is a direct security threat, particularly in its northeastern states that share porous borders with Bangladesh.
What’s Next?
To date, Chinmoy Krishna Das Babu remains in jail and the bail date has been shifted to January 2, 2025. Protests rallies in Bangladesh and India build up pressure on the caretaker government. In turn, it brings many wider questions concerning the commitment of Bangladesh towards the rights of its minorities, democratic principles, and also towards India. It needs legal and political
steps; however, much more is required: rebuilding people’s trust and justice for all.
The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Babu is but a critical moment in this narrative, and yet, it is part of a much bigger story of the challenges Bangladesh is facing in its quest to navigate one of the most tumultuous periods in its history.
10 ARTICLES AND NEWS ABOUT BANGLADESH (REFERENCES)
• Bangladesh court defers Hindu leader’s bail hearing as tensions with India spike
Associated Press
https://apnews.com/article/c45812dce748aec95e0430a977d71ef5
• Bangladeshi court denies bail to Hindu leader who led rallies for minority
protection
Associated Press
https://apnews.com/article/40bbfeb0096e0212d220e31966f25d97
• One killed in Bangladesh as Hindu protesters clash with police
Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/bangladesh-police-us-teargas-against-hindu-
protesters-2024-11-26/
• Lawyers in southeastern Bangladesh boycott courts after violence kills 1
Associated Press
https://apnews.com/article/30ddf1e6ab64cd92b445ffad3c0f7021
• Bangladesh steps up security, arrests six for lawyer’s killing amid protests
Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/bangladesh-steps-up-security-arrests-six-
lawyers-killing-amid-protests-2024-11-27/
• Protests in Shahbagh over detention of Chinmoy Krishna
Dhaka Tribune
https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/dhaka/366247/protests-in-shahbagh-over-
detention-of-chinmoy
• ISKCON issues clarification on Hindu priest’s arrest in Bangladesh
Hindustan Times
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/iskcon-issues-clarification-on-hindu-priest-
chinmoy-krishna-das-arrest-bangladesh-101732840388013.html
• Who Is Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, Hindu Leader Arrested In Bangladesh
NDTV
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/who-is-chinmoy-krishna-das-brahmachari-the-iskcon-
priest-under-arrest-in-bangladesh-7123388
• 10 things to know about the Bangladesh ISKCON controversy, Chinmoy Das arrest
Hindustan Times
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/10-things-to-know-about-the-bangladesh-
iskcon-controversy-chinmoy-das-arrest-101732796535502.html
• Chinmoy Krishna Das – Iskcon clarifies on Hindu monk’s arrest, says it has not
distanced from backing him
India Today
https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/bangladesh-iskcon-chinmoy-krishna-das-arrested-
violent-protest-hindus-2642079-2024-11-29
These sources provide detailed insights into the circumstances surrounding Chinmoy Krishna
Das Babu’s arrest, the ensuing protests, and the broader implications for communal relations and
regional diplomacy.
