Bangladesh High Court Petition Seeks Ban on ISKCON Amid Hindu Attacks

Bangladesh court reviews ISKCON ban petition amid Hindu monk’s arrest, violence, and India-Bangladesh diplomatic tensions

A petition has been filed in the Bangladesh High Court seeking a ban on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) amid rising violence against Hindus. In order to quell violence, the petition also calls for Rangpur and Chittagong to declare states of emergency.The government has been ordered by the High Court to take immediate action. Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman was directed by Justices Farah Mahbub and Debasish Roy Chowdhury to submit an update by Thursday on the government’s response to ISKCON’s operations.

Tensions escalated following the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu on November 25 at Dhaka airport. Known for advocating minority rights, he has been charged with sedition and denied bail. His detention has sparked nationwide protests, particularly in Chittagong and Dhaka.

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A violent protest outside the Chittagong court led to the death of a lawyer, allegedly at the hands of a mob. Over 20 others were injured in related clashes. Das had recently organised rallies highlighting atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh and demanding better protection for minorities.

ISKCON and India Respond

ISKCON has condemned the arrest, calling it an attempt to silence voices speaking for minority rights. The organisation urged international intervention, with a spokesperson stating, “To protect Bangladesh’s minorities, the UN must intervene. It is outrageous that the persecution is still going on.

In response to recurrent attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) voiced deep concern. It called on Bangladesh to protect the rights and safety and mentioned instances of temple damage, vandalism, and fire.

Bangladesh Reacts

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticised India’s statement, calling it interference in internal affairs. It defended Das’s arrest, stating it was based on specific charges. Bangladesh also rejected claims of religious disharmony, insisting the government is committed to protecting all faiths.The situation remains tense as protests continue, with minority communities calling for stronger protections amid fears of further unrest.

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