India's statement 'contrary to spirit of friendship'

India's statement following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a former ISKCON leader based in Chattogram, not only misrepresent facts but also stands contrary to the spirit of friendship and understanding between the two neighbouring countries, said Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in a statement tonight.
"It is with utter dismay and a deep sense of hurt that the Government of Bangladesh notes that the arrest of Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das has been misconstrued by certain quarters since Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das has been arrested on specific charges," said MOFA.
The Mofa statement said the MEA statement does not reflect the harmony that exists among the peoples of all faiths and the commitment and efforts of the government and the people in this regard.
Police arrested Chinmoy in Dhaka on Monday on charges of disrespecting Bangladesh's national flag in Chattogram's New Market area during a rally of the Hindu community on October 25.
Earlier in the day, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement, expressing concern over the arrest and denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das, spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatan Jagaran Jote.
It said it has noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of Chinmoy, which follows the "multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements" in Bangladesh.
The MEA said there are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities' homes and business establishments, as well as theft vandalism and desecration of deities and temples.
"It is unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, charges should be pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings."
India notes with concern the attacks on minorities protesting peacefully against the arrest of Shri Das, it said, urging Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression.
Earlier, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said the Indian media reports on the attacks on minorities in Bangladesh were an exaggeration.
In the statement issued today, MoFA said the Bangladesh government took note of the MEA statement on a matter concerning the internal affairs of Bangladesh.
"It [MEA statement] also completely disregards that the Government of Bangladesh is determined to conclusively end the culture of impunity to the perpetrators of gross human rights violations against the people of Bangladesh, thus treating the religious majority and minorities alike."
It said Bangladesh reaffirms in the strongest terms that every Bangladeshi, regardless of his or her religious identity, has the right to establish, maintain or perform respective religious rituals and practices or express views without hindrance.
"Ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, particularly the members of religious minorities remains a duty of the Government of Bangladesh. This was yet again vindicated by the peaceful observance of Durga Puja throughout Bangladesh only last month."
Bangladesh's government reiterated that the country's judiciary is fully independent and does not interfere in the judiciary's work. The matter under question is currently being dealt with by the court of law.
It is also committed to upholding communal harmony in the country, the MoFA said.
It expressed deep concern over the brutal killing of Advocate Saiful Islam Alif this afternoon in Chattogram and said authorities have stepped up security in the port city to ensure that religious harmony is maintained at any cost.
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