Dhaka has termed the statement, issued by the Indian external affairs ministry, over arrest of Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das as "unfounded" and "not only misrepresent facts but also stand contrary to the spirit of friendship and understanding between the two neighboring countries" .

"The (Indian) statement also does not reflect the harmony that exists among the peoples of all faiths and the commitment and the efforts of the government and the people in this regard," said the foreign ministry in a statment on Tuesday.

The foreign ministry said the attention of the Bangladesh government has been drawn to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs of India to the media today (26 November 2024) on a matter concerning "internal affairs of Bangladesh".

 "It 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," read the foreign ministry's press release.

Bangladesh, it said, reaffirmed 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 safety and security of all citizens, particularly the members of religious minorities remains a duty of the Government of Bangladesh," said the release, adding that it was vindicated by the peaceful observance of Durga Puja throughout Bangladesh only last month.

The foreign ministry said that the Bangladesh government noted with utter dismay and deep sense of hurt that the arrest of Das has been misconstrued by certain quarters since he has been arrested on specific charges.

"The Government of Bangladesh would like to reiterate that the country's judiciary is fully independent and it does not interfere in the work of the judiciary. The matter under question is at present being dealt with by the court of law," read the release.

Bangladesh government, it said, is also committed to upholding communal harmony in the country while it is deeply concerned over the brutal killing of Advocate Saiful Islam Alif this afternoon in Chattogram.
 
Authorities have stepped up security in the port city to ensure that religious harmony is maintained at any cost, said the foreign ministry.