A petition has been submitted to the Bangladesh high court calling for a ban on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) amidst rising violence against the Hindu community. The petition also urges the imposition of a state of emergency in Chittagong and Rangpur to prevent further unrest as protests continue in both cities. The high court has requested information from the government about its actions regarding ISKCON’s recent activities.
The unrest began with the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu, known for advocating for the rights of religious minorities, on charges of sedition. His arrest led to widespread protests across Bangladesh, with the Hindu community demanding his release. Violent demonstrations outside the Chittagong court resulted in the death of a lawyer and injuries to more than 20 people.
ISKCON has condemned the monk’s arrest and called for global intervention to protect minorities in Bangladesh. India has expressed deep concern over the situation, highlighting attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist groups. The Indian government has urged Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of all minorities, including their right to peaceful assembly and expression.
In response to India’s statement, Bangladesh’s ministry of foreign affairs asserted that the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das was based on specific charges and should not be misconstrued. Bangladesh criticized India for misrepresenting facts and undermining the positive relations between the two countries. The statement emphasized the harmony that exists among people of all faiths in Bangladesh and the government’s commitment to protecting religious minorities.
Source
Photo credit www.hindustantimes.com
