The Bangladeshi government has described the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) as a “religious fundamentalist organisation” following a writ petition in the High Court seeking a ban on the group. This development comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the country, marked by widespread protests after the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari and rising attacks on ISKCON and Hindu temples by radical Islamist groups.
Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent figure in the Hindu rights movement, recently gained prominence after leading large rallies in Chattogram and Rangpur. However, his arrest earlier this week for allegedly disrespecting the national flag has sparked anger among the Hindu community, which has faced over 200 violent incidents since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government on August 5. The government has maintained that Das was detained for sedition rather than his community leadership.
During a High Court hearing on Wednesday, a lawyer filed a petition demanding a ban on ISKCON, citing the death of Assistant Public Prosecutor Saiful Islam during clashes between security forces and Das’s supporters after his bail was denied. The court directed Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman to present the government’s stance on ISKCON and provide an update on the law-and-order situation by Thursday.
Responding to the court’s inquiry, Asaduzzaman stated that ISKCON is not a political party but a religious fundamentalist organisation under government scrutiny. This characterization drew sharp criticism from ISKCON leaders, with Vice President Radha Raman Das calling the statement shocking. “We have served millions worldwide, including during floods in Bangladesh, yet we are being labeled a radical terrorist organisation,” Das said, urging international leaders to address the issue.
The arrest of Das has intensified protests from the Hindu community, already reeling from targeted attacks by extremist groups. India, too, expressed concern over the situation. “This incident follows multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh,” stated the Ministry of External Affairs.