Bangladesh: Plea Seeks Ban On Iskcon, Lawyer Killed Amid Clash With Cops Over Hindu Monk’s Arrest
Amidst the rising tensions in Bangladesh, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness has condemned the arrest of Hindu priest and prominent Sanatani leader Chinmoy Krishna Das. Hours after Chinmoy was detained, his supporters called for nationwide protests and brought the issue of minority rights in Bangladesh to the forefront. The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday urged the Bangladesh authorities ‘to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities’.
A Ban on Iskcon In Bangladesh?
On Wednesday, a lawyer filed a petition seeking a ban on Iskcon in Bangladesh. The lawyer also brought to the court’s attention the death of assistant public prosecutor Saiful Islam during clashes between security personnel and followers of the Hindu monk after he was denied bail. During the hearing, the court sought information on Iskcon and how it was established in Bangladesh.
The Attorney General, Md Asaduzzaman informed the court that “Iskcon is a religious fundamentalist organization and the Bangladesh government is already scrutinizing them,” he further said, “A ban on it was already in process”.
Who is Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahamachari?
A former ISKCON member and spokesperson for the “Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jagaran Jot,” Chinmoy Krishna Das, was arrested on Monday. Chinmoy was arrested by the Bangladeshi authorities near Dhaka airport on serious charges of sedition. Following his arrest Chinmoy appeared in court on Tuesday.
The court rejected his bail application, and he was sent to prison. Despite this, Das gave a defiant message from a prison van, flashing a victory sign and urging peace among his supporters. “We want a united Bangladesh,” he declared.
Now what’s shocking is that not many in Bangladesh would have known Das a few months back. However, it was the attacks on Hindus and the Hindu temples in Bangladesh that led to complete chaos. Das’s recognition and his supporters grew larger after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime in August which saw the 38-year-old monk rise to prominence. In a span of a few months, Chinmoy Krishna Das became the biggest leader of Hindus in Bangladesh, drawing lakhs of people to his rallies.
In the viral videos circulating online, Das can be addressing his followers, urging them to continue peaceful protests. In one such video, he says in Bengal “We Sanatanis have some responsibilities towards the nation,”. Meanwhile, his arrest has sparked protests across the country, including in Dhaka and Chittagong, with protesters demanding his release and the protection of minority rights in Bangladesh.
What Did Iskcon Said?
Amid the chaos of arrests, deaths, and protests, ISKCON issued a strong statement denouncing the arrest. They describe Das as a vocal advocate for minority protection. “It is essential to uphold his rights and ensure justice,” the statement read.
The statement released by Iskcon further emphasized that the Sanatani community deserves justice as does any other citizen of Bangladesh.”The arrest and mounting threats by Islamists against ISKCON and other Hindu religious orders like Ramakrishna Mission had been going on for the past three months and Das’s arrest was the last instance as of now”
Vice-president of ISKCON Kolkata said, “We have urged the Centre to prevail upon the Bangladesh government so that such incidents stop,”. He also urged the government to ensure constitutional protections for all minorities, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians.
The ISKCON Kolkata spokesperson said, “Our monks at several places in Bangladesh had been getting threats of being abducted and getting a lesson of their lives by certain Islamist elements at gatherings in recent times but the authorities there despite being told did not take effective steps to address our concerns.”
How Did India Respond to the Ongoing Clashes?
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed deep concern. The MEA in a statement said, “We urge Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression,”.MEA highlighted the broader pattern of violence against minorities in Bangladesh. It said, “There are several documented cases of arson, looting, theft, vandalism, and desecration of deities and temples,”.
To which Bangladesh’s foreign ministry responded, calling India’s remarks an interference in internal affairs. It further said, “It is with utter dismay that the Government of Bangladesh notes that the arrest of Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das has been misconstrued by certain quarters,”. In a statement, Bangladesh said that ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, “particularly the members of religious minorities”, remains a duty of the country’s interim government.
In Addition, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan condemned Chinmoy’s arrest and called for United Nations intervention. In a post on X Kalyan wrote, “Let’s all unite together in condemning the detention of ISKCON Bangladesh Priest Chinmoy Krishna Das,”. Kalyan also appealed to Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, to halt atrocities against Hindus.
Why did the clashes grow so violent?
According to reports, the protests intensified on Monday. This happened after the demonstrators clashed with police in Chittagong. Reports suggest that a group of protesters blocked a prison van transporting Das and pelted stones at security forces. Responding to the agitated crowd the authorities stun grenades and charge batons to disperse the crowd.
As the clashes turned massive and deadly, Saiful Islam Alif, a lawyer and member of the Chittagong Bar Association, tragically lost his life. Ashraf Hossain Razzak the General Secretary of the Bar Association said “Saiful Islam Alif was brutally beaten to death,”. Amid the chaos, the association suspended court activities on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies remain on high alert across the nooks and corners of Bangladesh. Additional and heavy forces have been deployed in Chittagong and Dhaka to prevent any further violence. Six others were reportedly injured during the protests, highlighting the escalating tensions.
On what grounds Is Das Chinmoy Arrested?
According to reports the charges against Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari stem from allegations of disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag. This happened during a rally in Chittagong after which he was arrested on sedition charges, and sent to prison. However, reports suggest that the complainant has since withdrawn from the case.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Hindu Bouddha Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC), the largest minority group in the country, has also condemned the arrest. The council warned that such actions could harm Bangladesh’s international reputation. Manindra Kumar Nath, the Acting General Secretary of the council said “As a result of this arrest, Bangladesh’s international image of freedom of expression and human rights will be damaged in the world,”.
Bangladesh’s interim government Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus condemned the lawyer’s killing and ordered an investigation. He appealed for calm and instructed law enforcement agencies to enhance security in vulnerable areas.
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