The arrest of a Hindu monk in Bangladesh has sparked a new war of words with neighboring India over the condition of minorities in the country.
Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spokesperson for a Hindu organization based in Bangladesh, was arrested this week on sedition charges, sparking clashes that left one person dead.
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 “utter dismay” at the arrest “misinterpreted by some quarters.”
Relations between these traditionally warm neighbors have turned frosty since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power in August after weeks of student protests that escalated 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 crucial ally for India's border security, particularly in the northeastern states. The country has also gained financially due to its proximity to India.
But since his dismissal, India has repeatedly expressed concerns about the security of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, a claim Bangladesh denies.
Hindus are the largest minority in Muslim-majority Bangladesh, making up about eight percent of the population.
Mr. Das' arrest at Dhaka airport on Monday sparked fresh tensions. He is accused of disrespecting Bangladesh's national flag during a rally in Chittagong, in the south of the country, in October.
His organization, Iskcon, denounced the arrest, calling Mr. Das a “strong advocate for the protection of minorities.”
On Tuesday, a Chittagong court denied Mr. Das bail. Police said violence broke out after hundreds of his supporters surrounded the van 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 murder. More than 20 people were taken into custody in connection with this violence.
Some feared the incident could lead to community tensions.
Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus has urged people to remain calm, saying his government is committed to ensuring and maintaining communal harmony.
