Chinmoy Das Arrested as Petition Calls for ISKCON Ban Amid Surge in Attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh

A petition filed in the Bangladesh High Court on Wednesday called for a ban on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, or ISKCON, amid rising violence against the Hindu community. The petition, which highlights growing unrest in Chittagong and Rangpur, also demanded the imposition of a state of emergency in these cities to prevent further violence and unrest.

Bangladesh HC Moves to Ban ISKCON Amid Anti-Hindu Violence

The arrest of high-profile Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu at the Dhaka airport on November 25 caused the petition. Known to be an advocate for the rights of Hindus and to protect religious minorities, the sedition charges against Das Prabhu have denied him the opportunity to be granted bail. His arrest has caused outrage, especially among the members of the Hindu community that has long been concerned regarding the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh.

The High Court bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury immediately took cognisance of the situation as Supreme Court lawyer Moniruzzaman submitted reports regarding ISKCON's role in the agitation. The court directed the Attorney General, Md Asaduzzaman, to update the court regarding the measures being taken by the government regarding the escalating situation.

The protests, which began outside the Chittagong court, have been violent and have resulted in the death of a lawyer at the hands of a mob. More than 20 have been injured in related clashes. These events have made Hindus in Bangladesh fearful as they believe that the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das is an attempt to gag their voices for religious freedom.

The High Court's call for urgent intervention by the government underscores a growing concern over the security of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. Protests continue, and calls grow for stronger protections and more tolerance for religious diversity.