The interim government has responded to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs of India on a matter which Bangladesh sees as "internal affairs."

"It is with utter dismay and deep sense of hurt that the government of Bangladesh notes that the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das has been misconstrued by certain quarters since Chinmoy Krishna Das has been arrested on specific charges," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on Tuesday night.

The government of Bangladesh maintains that "such unfounded statements" not only misrepresent facts but also stand contrary to the spirit of friendship and understanding between the two neighbouring countries, said the MoFA.

The 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, the Bangladesh government said.

“It also completely disregards the fact that the government of Bangladesh is determined to conclusively end the culture of impunity for perpetrators of gross human rights violations against the people of Bangladesh, ensuring equal treatment for both the religious majority and minorities," said the government of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh 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 the safety and security of all citizens, particularly, the members of religious minorities remain a duty of the government of Bangladesh, said the interim government.

This was yet again vindicated by the peaceful observance of Durga Puja throughout Bangladesh only last month, the government said.

The government of Bangladesh reiterated 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."

The government of Bangladesh is also committed to upholding communal harmony in the country, the MoFA said.

The government of Bangladesh is deeply concerned over the brutal killing of Advocate Saiful Islam Alif in Chattogram.

Authorities have stepped up security in the port city to ensure that religious harmony is maintained at any cost.