Who is Chinmoy Krishna, and what are the reasons behind his sedition charges?

• Chinmoy Krishna served as ISKCON's Chittagong Divisional Secretary from 2016 to 2022.
• He is an advocate for Hindu community rights and actively supports this cause through the Sanatan Jagaran Mancha platform.

Who is Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari?
Chandan Kumar Dhar, widely known as Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, is a leader in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and a spokesperson for the Sanatan Jagaran Mancha. His arrest in a sedition case has sparked widespread debate and criticism, both nationally and in neighboring India.

• Role and Background:

  • He serves as the head of the ISKCON-operated religious site, Pundarik Dham, in Chittagong.
  • From 2016 to 2022, he held the position of Chittagong Divisional Secretary of ISKCON.
  • Since 2007, he has been the principal of Pundarik Dham in Hathazari, Chittagong.
  • Known for his religious speeches, he earned the nickname “Shishu Bokta” for his prominence as a preacher from a young age.

• Arrest and Legal Proceedings:

  • On Monday at 4:30 p.m., the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police detained him at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
  • He was presented in court on Tuesday, where his incarceration was ordered, triggering protests by his supporters outside the court.

• Sedition Case Details:

  • Chinmoy and 18 others were charged with sedition for allegedly hoisting a saffron religious flag above Bangladesh’s national flag at the New Market intersection in Chittagong during a rally on October 25.
  • A case was filed by Md Feroze Khan on October 30 under sedition laws at the Kotwali Police Station.
  • The case accused Chinmoy Krishna and others, including prominent Hindu leaders like Ajay Dutta and Leela Raj Das Brahmachari, along with 15–20 unidentified individuals.
  • The allegations claim this act desecrated the national flag and posed a threat to the country’s sovereignty by promoting an anarchic environment.
  • A viral photograph of the incident fueled widespread criticism, leading to the flags' removal.

• Broader Implications:

  • Md Feroze Khan, the complainant, was later suspended from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and taken into police custody for safety.
  • Chinmoy’s arrest has drawn significant attention, with critics questioning the motives behind the case.

Formation of Sanatan Jagaran Mancha:

• The Sanatan Jagaran Mancha was established in August 2023 in response to nationwide unrest.
• During incidents of vandalism targeting Hindu homes and temples on August 5, the group emerged as a voice for the Hindu community, with Chinmoy Das appointed as its spokesperson.
• The platform has held large rallies advocating for Hindu rights, including events in Chittagong and Rangpur, where Chinmoy delivered passionate speeches.
• The group is planning a significant rally in Khulna on December 13.

Controversies Within ISKCON:

• Reports suggest that Chinmoy was suspended from ISKCON three months ago due to internal disputes. However, some ISKCON members believe these claims are tied to factional conflicts. Despite these controversies, he continues to lead a key ISKCON institution in Chittagong.

Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari’s case has not only amplified discussions around religious rights and nationalism but also underscored the challenges faced by minority communities in the region.