Iskcon a fundamentalist organisation, Bangladesh tells court as plea seeks ban

The Bangladeshi government has termed the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) as a "religious fundamentalist organisation" in response to a writ petition filed in the Bangladesh High Court.

Bangladesh Calls ISKCON 'Fundamentalist' Amid Protests Over Arrest

The petition asks for the banning of ISKCON, saying its activities threaten religious harmony in the nation. The development comes amid widespread protests in Bangladesh over the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, fueling tensions between Hindu and Muslim communities in the country.

The protests occurred after Das, a well-known Hindu monk and former ISKCON member, was arrested earlier this week on charges of disrespecting the national flag during a rally organized by the Hindu community. His arrest triggered an outcry, as the Hindu community in Bangladesh has faced mounting violence and discrimination over the past months. This comprises more than 200 attacks on Hindu people and places of worship, especially after political upheaval following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government on August 5.

The writ petition filed before the High Court also flags the unfortunate killing of an assistant public prosecutor, Saiful Islam, in clashes involving security forces and supporters of Das whose bail plea was rejected. The incident has further fuelled anger within the Hindu community, making the already tense situation worse. In the court's hearing, judges asked the Attorney General to clarify ISKCON's operations in Bangladesh, including its origins and role in the country. The case of Bangladesh brings to the fore the growing concerns of the Hindu minority, who have increasingly found themselves at the center of attacks by radical Islamic groups. With ISKCON now facing scrutiny and legal challenges, the government's stance could further impact religious freedom and the protection of minorities in Bangladesh.