GS Paper - II

India has expressed “deep concern” over the arrest of Hindu leader Krishna Das Prabhu, who is associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), in Bangladesh. He is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. Local media reports said that Prabhu, who has been leading rallies demanding security for Hindus, was arrested in Dhaka’s main airport while travelling to Chattogram in southeastern Bangladesh.

Why he was arrested?

The Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jot has been calling for minority rights and security, and for the implementation of an 8-point list of demands.

What they are?

• Establishment of a Special Tribunal, for swift trials in cases of minority persecution, including compensation and rehabilitation for victims.
• Enactment of a Minority Protection Law, to ensure security and rights for minority communities.
• Creation of a Ministry for Minority Affairs, to address the specific needs and issues of minority groups
• Upgrade of the Hindu Welfare Trust to a Hindu Foundation and similar upgrades for the Buddhist and Christian Welfare Trusts
• Laws to Recover and Protect Debottar (Temple) Properties, alongside proper enforcement of the Vested Property Act
• Prayer Rooms in Educational Institutions, to accommodate minority religious practices in all schools, colleges, and hostels.
• Modernization of Sanskrit and Pali Education Boards, to enhance educational resources for these communities
• Five-Day Public Holiday for Durga Puja, recognising this important religious festival for the Hindu community