Dhaka, Bangladesh – November 25, 2024
In a series of alarming events, Bangladeshi authorities have detained Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a prominent Hindu monk and human rights advocate, sparking widespread protests that have been met with violence.
Detention of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari
On November 25, 2024, Chinmoy Krishna Brahmachari was on his way to Chittagong Purnarik Dham. As he and his companions approached Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, a group of unidentified individuals emerged from a private van claiming to be from the Detective Branch of Bangladesh Police.
Eyewitnesses reported that these men snatched and dragged Brahmachari into the van, which bore the license plate Dhaka Metro-Ch 521161. Alarmed by the abduction, those accompanying Brahmachari attempted to follow the vehicle. The van eventually stopped at the Detective Branch Police Headquarters in Dhaka.
Soon after, followers of Chinmoy Brahmachari gathered outside the DB Police HQ, demanding his release and expressing concerns for his safety. Despite their presence, authorities have provided no information about his condition or the charges against him.
Violence Against Peaceful Protesters
In response to Brahmachari’s detention, thousands of protesters, primarily from the Hindu minority community, assembled at Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka to demand his release. The peaceful demonstration quickly turned violent when Islamist mobs, allegedly including individuals affiliated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), attacked the protesters.
Witnesses reported that the attackers wielded sticks and machetes, including Bengali Kutari (traditional machetes), leaving dozens injured, some seriously. Despite the severity of the violence, police did not intervene, allowing the attackers to act with impunity.
Government Complicity in Violence
The apparent inaction of law enforcement during the attacks has raised serious questions about the complicity of the Bangladeshi government. Protesters accuse the authorities of enabling or condoning such violence as part of a broader effort to suppress dissent and intimidate minority communities.
Broader Context and Concerns
Chinmoy Krishna Brahmachari is widely regarded as a champion for minority rights in Bangladesh. He has been an outspoken critic of the systemic oppression faced by Hindu and other minority communities. His detention and the subsequent violence against protesters highlight the worsening state of human rights in the country.
This incident also follows a troubling pattern of arbitrary detentions, fabricated charges, and violent suppression of peaceful demonstrations, particularly targeting minority leaders and activists.
Calls for International Intervention
Human rights organizations and international observers have condemned the detention and the violence, calling for:
- The immediate release of Chinmoy Krishna Brahmachari.
- An independent investigation into the violence at Shahbagh and the role of law enforcement.
- Accountability for those responsible for the attacks and the apparent government complicity.
Conclusion
The detention of Chinmoy Krishna Brahmachari and the subsequent violence against peaceful protesters represent a grave assault on human rights and democratic principles in Bangladesh. As followers of Brahmachari continue to gather outside the DB Police Headquarters and protests spread, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, with growing demands for immediate action to prevent further escalation.
This unfolding crisis underscores the urgent need for Bangladesh to uphold its commitments to human rights and ensure the safety and dignity of all its citizens, particularly vulnerable minority communities.
