Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has come out in support of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested in Bangaldesh and jailed on sedition charges. Hasina urged the Bangladesh government to release Das immediately,

DHAKA: Deposed prime minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina on Thursday condemned the arrest of Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das and said the leader must be released immediately. Das who was taken into custody earlier this week on sedition charges.

The arrest of a Hindu monk in Bangladesh has triggered a fresh war of words with neighbour India over the condition of minorities in the country. Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spokesperson of a Bangladesh-based Hindu organisation, was arrested on sedition charges this week, spurring clashes that led to one death.

In her statement, she criticized the government for its handling of the situation and called for the immediate release of the prominent Hindu leader.

New Delhi and Dhaka have sparred after communal tensions flared in Chittagong following a court’s denial of bail to Das. A plea has been filed in Bang

Das was denied bail by a Bangladeshi court and sent to prison, triggering protests by Hindus in various locations. A lawyer was killed and several others were injured during clashes.

Amid the violent protests, the Bangladesh police and security forces fired sound grenades, tear gas and charged batons at the protesters.

At least one person was killed in Bangladesh in clashes between security forces and Hindus protesting against the arrest of a religious leader, police said, even as neighbouring India urged that the safety of Hindus and minorities be ensured.

Tensions soared high as worldwide protests against attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh intensified on Wednesday after the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, President of Pundarik Dham and a leading figure in the Hindu community.

The Bangladesh high court has asked the government to take immediate measures to address the situation, which has raised concerns over the safety of Hindus.