Dhaka, Bangladesh – 29 November 2024: The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) on Thursday expressed its unwavering solidarity with Chinmoy Krishna Das, a priest who was recently arrested in Bangladesh on charges of sedition. Das, also known as Brahmachari, was detained after allegedly raising a flag on a stand displaying the national flag of Bangladesh. His arrest has sparked widespread outrage, drawing both local and international attention to the ongoing tensions in the region.
In a show of support, ISKCON, Inc. took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where it issued a statement reading, “ISKCON, Inc. stands with Chinmoy Krishna Das. Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of all these devotees.” The statement highlighted the organization’s commitment to supporting its members, especially those facing legal challenges or persecution.
Iskcon,Inc. stands with Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das. Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of all these devotees.
— Iskcon,Inc. (@IskconInc) November 28, 2024
The controversy began when Chinmoy Krishna Das was accused of raising a flag alongside Bangladesh’s national flag, an act that allegedly sparked concerns about the flag’s display and led to his arrest. On Tuesday, Das was presented before a Chittagong court, which denied him bail and remanded him to custody pending further investigation. The charges leveled against him are related to sedition, a serious offense in Bangladesh, which has drawn both legal and political scrutiny.
Das’ arrest has not only generated a legal battle but also fueled public protests, with many groups and individuals calling for his immediate release. The case has become a focal point in the ongoing debate about religious freedoms and minority rights in Bangladesh, a country that has seen rising tensions between religious communities in recent years.
In a related development, local media reported that a lawyer in Bangladesh filed a petition to ban ISKCON from operating in the country, accusing the religious organization of being a “radical” group that stirs communal unrest. The petition further escalates the situation, casting ISKCON’s activities in a contentious light in Bangladesh.
On the international front, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina condemned the arrest, describing it as “unjust.” In a public statement, Hasina called for the immediate release of Chinmoy Krishna Das, emphasizing that such actions against religious leaders could lead to greater communal violence in the country. She also expressed concerns over the recent spate of attacks on religious minorities, including vandalism, arson, and other forms of violence targeting temples, churches, and other places of worship.
“A senior leader of the Sanatan religious community has been unjustly arrested, and I demand his immediate release. Temples have been set ablaze in Chittagong, and there have been similar attacks on mosques, shrines, and homes belonging to the Ahmadiyya community. Religious freedom and the safety of all communities must be guaranteed,” Hasina stated, underscoring the importance of protecting religious minorities in Bangladesh.
In a separate move, a group of retired judges, bureaucrats, and a sitting member of parliament (MP) sent a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to intervene in the matter. The letter expressed deep concern over the growing violence and discrimination against Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh.
The situation has further strained relations between ISKCON and the Bangladeshi government, with protests erupting in different parts of the country in support of Chinmoy Krishna Das. The growing unrest and international condemnation suggest that this issue could have far-reaching consequences for both Bangladesh’s internal politics and its relationship with religious communities abroad.
As tensions continue to rise, many are watching closely to see how the Bangladesh government will handle the situation, especially in light of global calls for greater protection of religious freedom and minority rights.