The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is facing alarming challenges in Bangladesh as tensions rise against its members. Recently, the organization has been targeted amid growing concerns for the rights of Hindus in the country, leading to protests and calls for justice.
The controversy ignited when Mahmudur Rahman, editor of a Bangladeshi media outlet, publicly demanded the banning of ISKCON, labeling it a “militant organization” and an alleged agent of Indian intelligence. Such accusations are not only unfounded but also paint a troubling picture of the political landscape in Bangladesh, where minorities often face discrimination.
The situation escalated dramatically following a protest rally in Chittagong on October 25, where Hindu groups rallied for equal rights and an end to discrimination. A photograph taken during the rally, showing a flag raised above Bangladesh’s national flag, sparked outrage and accusations of sedition. In Bangladesh, this act is considered a serious offense, leading to a sedition case filed against 19 individuals, including two ISKCON members.
Hindu civilians all over #Bangladesh have been protesting against the unjust sedition charges against the Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu & 19 others.
Protests & rallies have been taking place calling for an end to violence against Hindu community #SaveBangladeshiHindus pic.twitter.com/aWSQ6tCKdu— NewsFreak 2.0 (@_peacekeeper2) November 4, 2024
They can’t tolerate it. It is the flag of Hinduism. related to Sanatani sentiments. King Shashanka built Bengal with this flag. Deva dynasty ruled Bengal with this flag. Hizb ut-Tahrir militants insulted our religious flag & Bangladesh flag . Why not take legal action against… pic.twitter.com/nY3fvp4yO2
— Voice of Bangladeshi Hindus 🇧🇩 (@VHindus71) November 1, 2024
The case was initiated by a member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the country’s main opposition party, suggesting a politically motivated attempt to undermine Hindu rights and organizations like ISKCON ahead of upcoming elections. Despite ISKCON’s assertion that it does not have a flag of its own and has no connection to the flag raised during the protest, the police have begun arrests, further fueling tensions.
In response to these attacks, the Hindu community in Bangladesh has organized multiple protests. Approximately 30,000 individuals demonstrated in Chittagong, demanding the withdrawal of sedition cases against ISKCON members. A similar rally took place in the capital, Dhaka, where participants carried torches in solidarity with those targeted.
Adding to the tension, the Bangladeshi Muslim student organization, Inquilab Mancha, held a press conference at Dhaka University yesterday, where they threatened ISKCON monks and called on the Bangladeshi government to ban ISKCON. This aggressive stance reflects the rising intolerance and hostility towards minority communities in the country.
The Bangladeshi Muslim student organization, Inquilab Mancha, held a press conference at Dhaka University today, where they threatened ISKCON monks & called on the Bangladeshi government to ban ISKCON.
Islamists are rattled that ISKCON united the Hindus of Bangladesh.
There is… pic.twitter.com/cKnEGoc7bb
— Radharamn Das राधारमण दास (@RadharamnDas) November 4, 2024
As the situation unfolds, ISKCON is seeking support from international figures, including Donald Trump, who condemned violence against minorities during Diwali. This call for attention highlights the precarious situation for Hindus in Bangladesh, where political opportunism threatens their rights and freedoms.
I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are getting attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in a total state of chaos.
It would have never happened on my watch. Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus across the…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 31, 2024
The events surrounding ISKCON in Bangladesh serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by minority communities. As we observe this situation, it is crucial to stand in solidarity with those advocating for justice, equality, and the protection of minority rights in Bangladesh.
Also Read: Disturbing Reality for Hindus in Sindh: Kidnapping and Torture by Criminal Gangs
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