Tensions rise in Bangladesh as Islamist group urges 'attacks' on ISKCON; reactions from Taslima Nasreen and BJP leader

Communal tensions are on the rise in Bangladesh after the Chittagong-based Islamist group Hefazat-e-Islam called for a ban on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). According to a social media post by author Taslima Nasreen on Friday, the group was heard chanting violent slogans, such as “Catch one ISKCON, then slaughter,” during a recent rally in Chattogram. In her post, Nasreen drew attention to the threats faced by ISKCON members, stating, “Hefazat-e-Islam has called for terrorism. They want to kill ISKCON members. Is ISKCON a terrorist organization that it should be banned?” the exiled Bangladeshi author remarked.

She stressed that ISKCON, a global organization, has never incited violence. “ISKCON operates in many countries worldwide and does not face such issues elsewhere, but it does in Bangladesh,” she wrote, attributing the hostility to “Islamists and jihadists who cannot tolerate people of other religions.” Meanwhile, West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari expressed his concern, calling it a “coordinated attack” on ISKCON. Sharing a video of a procession in Chattogram, Adhikari claimed that radicals were chanting, “There is no place for ISKCON in this Bangla.”

Adhikari warned, “If these radicals continue with their plan to attack ISKCON, they won’t be able to handle the consequences.” “This video was recorded this morning around 11 am, during a procession of radicals moving from Teri Bazar to Cheragi in Chattogram, intending to incite communal tensions. Listen to the slogans they were shouting: 'There is no place for ISKCON in this Bangla, Burn down ISKCON, torch ISKCON's addresses, Raze down ISKCON, demolish ISKCON's addresses...’” he wrote.

Communal clashes broke out on November 5 after a local trader, Osman Ali, allegedly posted on Facebook labeling ISKCON a “terrorist group,” angering the Hindu community in Chattogram’s Hazari Gali area. In response, joint police and army forces launched an operation, arresting nearly 100 suspects.

ISKCON Bangladesh president Satya Ranjan Baroi condemned the attacks, stating, “ISKCON Bangladesh is a non-political and peaceful religious organization committed to communal harmony, religious tolerance, and human welfare.” Baroi called for a peaceful resolution after an investigation into the incident. Hindus, who make up about 8% of Bangladesh’s population, have traditionally supported Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League.

However, the growing communal tensions have raised concerns about the safety of the minority community across the country.