"Religious radicalism, jihad becoming challenge": VHP's Alok Kumar on ISKCON priest arrest

New Delhi: Alok Kumar, the international president of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and a senior advocate, stated on Wednesday that religious fundamentalism and jihad are emerging as challenges that the entire world must combat not only at the level of law and order but also at the level of ideology and mindset.
He emphasised that without addressing the issues of religious extremism and jihad, peace would remain elusive--not only in Bangladesh but globally.
Kumar's comments were in response to the arrest of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari by Dhaka police in Bangladesh.
Speaking to reporters, Kumar said, "Religious radicalism and jihad are becoming such a challenge that the entire world must fight and win this war not just at the law and order level but also at the level of ideology and mentality. Without this, there will be no peace in Bangladesh or the world."
Earlier today, Union Minister Giriraj Singh also condemned the arrest and the denial of bail to ISKCON Bangladesh priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari. He urged the United Nations to intervene in the matter.
Speaking to ANI, Singh said, "The Bangladesh government is working under the pressure of radicals. These radicals are vandalising temples. I thank the government of India for taking this matter very seriously. The United Nations should also take cognisance of the situation."
Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on Monday and presented before a Chittagong court on Tuesday, where his bail plea was rejected, and he was remanded to custody.
According to the Dhaka Tribune, Chinmoy Krishna Das appeared before Judge Kazi Shariful Islam of the Chittagong Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate's Court at 11 am on Tuesday. Despite a bail petition filed by his lawyers, it was denied, and he was sent to jail.
The priest faces sedition charges for allegedly raising a flag on a stand bearing Bangladesh's national flag. However, a minority leader has reportedly indicated that the complainant is reluctant to pursue the case.
The Bangladesh Hindu Bouddha Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC), the country's largest minority organisation, has expressed concern over the arrest and demanded the immediate release of Chinmoy Krishna Das.
"We strongly condemn the arrest of Prabhu Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson of Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, from the Dhaka airport area on Monday afternoon," said Manindra Kumar Nath, Acting General Secretary of the BHBCUC.
Speaking to ANI, Nath added, "This arrest will tarnish Bangladesh's international reputation regarding freedom of expression and human rights."