ISKCON Stands in Solidarity with Chinmoy Krishna Das Amid Arrest in Bangladesh
Amid the ongoing controversy over the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh on charges of sedition, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has voiced its unwavering support for his cause. The organization emphasized its commitment to the protection of Hindus and their places of worship, alongside advocating for peaceful coexistence with minorities in Bangladesh.
In an official statement released on Thursday, ISKCON reaffirmed its stance: “ISKCON has not, and does not distance itself from supporting Chinmoy Krishna Das’s rights and freedom for peacefully calling for protecting Hindus and their places of worship. We also support, along with all other sanatani groups, protection and safety of Hindus, and re-establishing an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence with minorities in Bangladesh.” The organization clarified that while it continues to back Das’s mission, it had previously stated that he did not officially represent ISKCON in Bangladesh, a point the group reiterated to avoid any misunderstandings.
Chinmoy Krishna, also known as Krishna Prabhu Das, was arrested by the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday evening. He is known for his association with both the Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mohajot (BJHM), a coalition of 23 religious organizations, and ISKCON.
The news of his arrest quickly spread across social media, sparking protests in Chittagong, where demonstrators gathered at Cheragi intersection to demand his release. Videos shared online showed Bangladeshi police officers clashing with protesters as they marched through the city.
The arrest comes amid a broader pattern of violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus. Since the interim government led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus assumed power on August 8, there have been widespread reports of vandalism, looting, arson, and land grabs targeting the Hindu community. The Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Oikya Parishad, an umbrella group of religious organizations, issued an open letter to Yunus, expressing deep concern over the “unprecedented violence” against minorities.
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted following the ‘Anti-Discrimination Student Movement’ in August, also condemned the violence and the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das. In a statement on Thursday, Hasina demanded the immediate release of the Hindu monk, calling his detention an injustice. “A top leader of the Sanatan religious community has been unjustly arrested, he must be released immediately,” Hasina stated.
Hasina also highlighted the ongoing persecution of minority communities in Bangladesh, noting several incidents since her resignation, including the burning of a temple in Chittagong and attacks on mosques, shrines, churches, and homes of the Ahmadiyya community. She stressed the importance of ensuring religious freedom and the safety of all citizens, regardless of their faith.
The political turmoil and rising violence against minorities have led to mounting international criticism of the interim government. Religious and human rights groups worldwide are calling for greater protection of religious minorities and a return to an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence in Bangladesh. The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das has become a focal point in this broader struggle for religious and civil rights in the country.
