The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Bangladesh is being targeted by fundamentalist groups for its efforts to unite the persecuted Hindu community and resist forced conversions, its chief, Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari, claimed on Thursday.
Das Brahmachari expressed relief over the Bangladesh High Court’s decision to reject a petition seeking a ban on ISKCON’s activities.
He said the ruling reaffirmed the organisation’s lawful and peaceful mission.
“No government would ever agree to such demands from extremists as we are a peaceful organisation,” he said, describing the verdict as a validation of ISKCON’s humanitarian initiatives.
The monk painted a grim picture of the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh, claiming they live in constant fear due to systemic persecution and attempts to erode their population through forced conversions.
“Fundamentalists are attacking ISKCON because we are standing in the way of their agenda to instil fear and force Hindus into conversion. Through our teachings and initiatives, we are uniting Hindus who are living under threat,” he said.
Das Brahmachari accused extremist groups of launching a systematic campaign to undermine ISKCON’s work.
He also dismissed calls to ban the organisation as baseless, noting that ISKCON is the only government-registered Hindu religious body in Bangladesh.
The chief also addressed the arrest of former ISKCON member Chinmoy Krishna Das on sedition charges, clarifying that the individual was expelled in September for disciplinary reasons.
“We cannot take responsibility for anyone who is not our member. ISKCON Bangladesh has no involvement in this tragic event or the ongoing protests,” he said, referring to a lawyer’s killing during clashes between security forces and Chinmoy’s supporters.
Das Brahmachari urged the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, to ensure the safety of minorities.
“Hindus have equal rights in Bangladesh as they, too, are children of this country,” he said, recalling his meetings with Yunus, who assured him of Hindu safety.
The senior monk criticised Yunus’ earlier claim that attacks on Hindus were “politically motivated” rather than communal.
“If indeed the attacks were political, why are temples and Hindu religious sites being attacked, and why are ordinary Hindu citizens being targeted?” he questioned.
Hindus, who made up 22 per cent of Bangladesh’s population during the 1971 Liberation War, now comprise around 8 per cent, a decline attributed to socio-political marginalisation and sporadic violence over decades.
Das Brahmachari urged the government to take decisive action to protect minorities and uphold the principles of justice and equality.
“These attacks are not just against ISKCON but against the values of tolerance and coexistence. We must work together to build a future where everyone can live without fear,” he said.
Despite the challenges, he reiterated ISKCON’s commitment to promoting peace and harmony, asserting, “Our mission is to serve humanity and preserve cultural and religious heritage. Any claims to the contrary are false and malicious.”
Bangladesh HC dismisses ban on Bangladesh ISKCON
The Bangladesh High Court on Thursday dismissed a petition seeking a ban on the activities of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in the country.
The decision follows the death of a lawyer in a violent clash between security personnel and supporters of a Hindu leader previously associated with the organisation.
The petition was filed after citing media reports related to ISKCON. However, a two-member bench comprising Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debashish Roy Chowdhury declined to impose any ban, a spokesperson for the attorney general’s office confirmed.
The court’s ruling came after the attorney general’s office presented a report on the government’s actions regarding the killing of Assistant Government Prosecutor Saiful Islam Alif in Chattogram earlier this week.
The violent incident occurred during protests sparked by the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachary, who was taken into custody on sedition charges and subsequently jailed by a Chattogram court. Chinmoy, who was expelled from ISKCON earlier, has faced allegations of activities that led to unrest.
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