The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) on Monday called on the Indian government to take immediate action following the detention of prominent Hindu leader and priest, Chinmoy Krishna Das, by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police.
ISKCON took to the social media platform X, expressing concern over the situation. The organization stated, “We have come across disturbing reports that Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das, one of the prominent leaders of ISKCON Bangladesh, has been detained by the Dhaka police.”
They further condemned the accusations, calling it “outrageous” to link the organization to terrorism. ISKCON reiterated its peaceful mission, stating, “We are a peace-loving Bhakti movement,” and urged the Indian government to intervene and seek Das’s release from Bangladesh authorities.
Details of the Detention and Protests Erupt
Dhaka Metropolitan Police detained Chinmoy Krishna Das, a key figure in the Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha and head of Pundarik Dham in Chittagong, at 4:30 pm on Monday. The police arrested him at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, with reports from the Dhaka Tribune confirming that the arrest followed a complaint requisition, though the details of the charges remain undisclosed.
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The arrest led to widespread protests in Chittagong, where demonstrators gathered at the Cheragi intersection, demanding his immediate release. Videos circulating on social media showed violent clashes between police and protesters, with some reports indicating that police targeted the demonstrators.
A disturbing image posted by Kanchan Gupta, Senior Advisor to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, depicted a Hindu protester soaked in blood after the clashes.
Rising Tensions: Communal Violence and Government Response
The detention comes amid increasing tension and violence against the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Since the interim government, led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, assumed office in August, there have been growing reports of attacks on Hindus, including vandalism, looting, arson, and land-grabbing.
Chinmoy Krishna Das had been an outspoken leader, particularly during protests calling for protection from rising Islamist violence. He was charged with sedition after leading a rally of Hindus protesting these targeted attacks.
The Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Oikya Parishad previously issued an open letter expressing deep concern over the violence, despite assurances from Yunus’s government about its commitment to communal harmony.
The recent unrest, particularly in the aftermath of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s departure from Dhaka, has caused widespread fear and insecurity among Bangladesh’s minority Hindu population. The ongoing violence continues to exacerbate anxiety, with many calling for immediate action from both the Bangladeshi government and international communities.
ISKCON’s Call for Action
As protests and unrest continue in Bangladesh, ISKCON has intensified its calls for the release of Chinmoy Krishna Das, with prayers for his protection. The organization has urged the Indian government to engage with Bangladesh to ensure the safety and freedom of its leader, highlighting the critical need for peace and protection of religious minorities in the region.
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