Petition filed in Bangladesh court seeking a ban on ISKCON

A day after ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested in Chittagong, student leaders in Bangladesh called for the immediate banning of the organization. Their demands come as the High Court admitted a petition seeking a formal ban on ISKCON, further intensifying the debate around the group's activities. These leaders, who form a key support base for the interim government led by Prof. Muhammad Yunus, participated in a protest rally in Chittagong, where they accused ISKCON of acting as an agent of the Awami League to destabilize the country. 

Student coordinator Hasnat Abdullah, speaking at the rally, alleged, “ISKCON is working to disrupt the nation’s peace under the guise of religious activities.” The protest also included calls for the arrest of those responsible for the killing of an assistant public prosecutor during Tuesday's clashes when Mr. Das was arrested. Authorities have since apprehended six individuals, identified through CCTV footage, as members of the banned Chhatra League, the Awami League’s student wing.

The arrest of Mr. Das has sparked strong reactions from India. Newly elected Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi described the situation of minority Hindus in Bangladesh as “deeply concerning” and urged the Government of India to intervene to ensure their safety. The Congress party echoed her concerns, with communication team chairperson Pawan Khera calling on the Indian government to press Bangladesh to take steps to protect minority communities.

The Ministry of External Affairs in India also expressed "deep concern" over the arrest and the denial of bail for Mr. Das, who leads the Pundarik Dham in Chittagong. However, Dhaka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded sharply, describing India’s statement as “contrary” to the principles of friendly relations between the two countries.

Meanwhile, ISKCON issued statements condemning what it called a "witch-hunt" and alleged discrimination against minority Hindus in Bangladesh. ISKCON Bangladesh General Secretary Charu Chandra Das criticized the arrest of Chinmoy Das and decried the recent attacks on Sanatani places of worship amidst escalating communal tensions. He urged the Bangladeshi government to ensure peaceful coexistence for all religious communities.

The controversy has highlighted ongoing political and communal tensions in Bangladesh, with the interim government taking a firm stance against groups associated with the previous Awami League regime. The situation continues to draw significant attention, both domestically and internationally, as calls for action intensify.