Protests continue to erupt across Bangladesh as spiritual preacher Chinmoy Krishna Das remains in custody following sedition charges. Demonstrations were reported in several areas, targeting the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
On Friday, protestors linked to the Islamist group Hefazat-e-Islam gathered outside Dhaka’s Bitul Mukarram Mosque after prayers, demanding a ban on ISKCON. Carrying flags and chanting slogans, the crowd was closely monitored by a significant police presence near the mosque’s north gate.
Tensions escalated further after a lawyer was killed during clashes between police and alleged followers of Chinmoy Krishna Das at the Chattogram Court Building area on November 27. Das was accused of raising a saffron flag above Bangladesh’s national flag in Chittagong on October 25, leading to charges of sedition.
ISKCON’s Bangladesh unit has strongly denied any connection to the lawyer’s death, but protests persist, with increasing rhetoric against the organization.
Addressing the matter, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized India’s concern over rising threats to minorities in Bangladesh.
“India has consistently and strongly raised with the Bangladesh government the threats and targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities… The interim government must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities. We are concerned about the surge of extremist rhetoric,” Jaiswal stated.
The MEA urged the Bangladesh government to ensure a fair judicial process in cases involving minority leaders such as Chinmoy Krishna Das.
“We hope and expect that these processes will be dealt with in a fair, just, and transparent manner, ensuring full respect for the individuals involved,” the spokesperson added.
ISKCON, a globally respected religious organization, has voiced support for Das. In a statement on X, the group said:
“ISKCON, Inc. stands with Chinmoy Krishna Das. Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of all these devotees.”
Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, arrested for allegedly raising a flag on a stand displaying Bangladesh’s national flag, was presented before a Chittagong court, which denied his bail plea and sent him to custody.
As unrest grows, the situation underscores the deepening concerns over minority rights and escalating tensions between religious groups in Bangladesh