Dhaka: In a controversial legal development, a writ petition has been filed in the Bangladesh High Court seeking a ban on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The petition alleges that ISKCON operates as a fundamentalist organization, heightening religious tensions in the country. This move coincides with nationwide protests following the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent advocate for minority rights and a vocal critic of communal violence in Bangladesh.
Chinmoy Krishna Das’s Arrest Draws Global Attention
Chinmoy Krishna Das, associated with the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jagaran Jot, was detained under contentious charges of sedition, allegedly for hoisting saffron flags during a Hindu rally. His arrest has been widely criticized as an attack on free speech and minority rights, sparking demonstrations across Bangladesh and calls for justice from Hindu organizations, including ISKCON. The organization has strongly condemned the arrest, urging the government to uphold constitutional protections for minorities and address escalating communal tensions.
Broader Context of Minority Rights in Bangladesh
The petition and the arrest come amid a broader climate of hostility toward religious minorities in Bangladesh. The Hindu population has dwindled from 22% in 1951 to less than 8% today, a decline attributed to decades of persecution and emigration. Recent demands from Hindu groups include forming a tribunal to prosecute hate crimes, enacting a minority protection law, and establishing a dedicated minority ministry. Critics argue that these demands have been misrepresented by political factions to suppress dissent.
Call for Unity and Action
ISKCON has reiterated its commitment to peaceful coexistence and human rights, urging the Bangladeshi government to ensure justice and harmony. The case against Chinmoy Krishna Das and the petition to ban ISKCON underscore the need for decisive action to protect minority communities and foster interfaith dialogue in Bangladesh.(Inputs from agencies)
Web Team, C6N
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