Iskcon Is Fundamentalist Organisation: Bangladesh Tells Court, Seeks Ban

Amid growing unrest and escalating violence against the Hindu community in Bangladesh, a petition has been filed in the High Court seeking a ban on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The petition also calls for the imposition of a state of emergency in Chittagong and Rangpur, where tensions have reached alarming levels.

On Wednesday, the High Court bench, comprising Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury, questioned the government on its response to ISKCON's recent activities, including rallies and clashes that erupted in Chattogram. Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman was instructed to provide details of the government's actions by Thursday morning.

The petition, presented by Supreme Court lawyer Moniruzzaman, highlights concerns over ISKCON's influence and its potential link to recent violence. It urges immediate government intervention to stabilize the law and order situation and prevent further unrest in affected regions.

Addressing the court, the attorney general saud that the government is actively working to maintain national unity and has initiated discussions with political parties to address recent tensions. He described ISKCON as a religious fundamentalist organization rather than a political entity, stating that the government is already scrutinizing its activities.

The judges expressed their concern over the deteriorating situation, urging the government to take swift measures to prevent further escalation. They underscored the importance of safeguarding the country's law and order.

It all started after Kotwali Police Station in Dhaka filed a case against 19 individuals, including Hindu leader Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, accusing them of disrespecting Bangladesh's national flag during a rally in Chattogram's New Market on October 25. The case was formally registered on October 30.

Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested this week in Dhaka. However, the Indian government has expressed "deep concern" over the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. In a statement, India's Ministry of External Affairs condemned the incident, stating, "We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das. This incident follows multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh."

As tensions rise, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, urging the Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety and rights of minority communities. The High Court's directive for a government response is seen as a critical step toward addressing the unrest.