Bangladesh minority council demands release of arrested temple president

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has demanded the immediate release of Haridas Chandra Tarani Das, the president of a temple arrested in Gaibandha's Palashbari upazila. The arrest reportedly occurred over the construction of a Ram idol.

At a protest rally in Dhaka, council leaders also urged the government to guarantee religious freedom, prevent "attacks" on minority communities, and cease "interference" in the construction of places of worship. The demonstrators marched through Paltan before returning to the Jatiya Press Club.

“

unfairly arrested despite the temple having been under construction for a long time

Manindra Kumar Nath, the council's General Secretary, alleged at the rally that Tarani Das's arrest was unjust, given the temple had been under construction for an extended period. He called for the case against Tarani Das to be withdrawn and also demanded the release of ISKCON leader Chandan Kumar Dhar, also known as Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari.

Council Vice-President Nirmal Rozario emphasized the need for the government to uphold the constitutional rights, religious freedom, and security of minority communities in Bangladesh.

“

ensure the constitutional rights, religious freedom and security of minority communities