Protests in Bangladesh Over ISKCON and Hindu Rights
Extremist Groups Demand Ban on ISKCON Amid Growing Tensions
Photo Credit: ANI
After the Dhaka High Court of Bangladesh refused to ban ISKCON, extremist groups caused widespread unrest on Friday. Following the Jumma prayers, millions of Muslims across the country took to the streets in protest. The largest demonstrations occurred in the capital Dhaka and Chattogram. Protesters labeled ISKCON as a ‘Hindu extremist organization’ and a ‘radical, anti-national group,’ demanding an immediate ban on the organization. The rallies saw participation from several religious and political groups, including the extremist organizations Hefajat-e-Islam, Khelafat Majlis, and the Islamic Movement. Hefajat claimed that defeated forces in the country were using Hindus to spread chaos. They also pointed to the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif in Chattogram court on Tuesday, calling it an attempt to incite civil war.
Meanwhile, ISKCON organized a protest chant in Kolkata for the release of Chinmayananda Krishnadas. The organization announced that a global prayer meeting would be held on Sunday across all ISKCON temples worldwide. The prayers will be dedicated to protecting Hindu devotees and religious minorities in Bangladesh. According to news agency PTI, Yunus administration has frozen the bank accounts of 17 people associated with ISKCON for 30 days, including the account of Chinmayananda. The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) instructed various banks on Thursday to freeze these accounts.
The BFIU has also requested the Central Bangladesh Bank to provide transaction details of these accounts within three days. Khalid Hussain stated that no one involved in the lawyer’s murder would be spared, addressing journalists after visiting Saiful Islam’s grave in Lohagara, Chattogram on Friday morning.
On August 5, 2024, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left the country, leading to widespread violent incidents against Hindus. In response, the Sanatan Jagran Manch was formed to protect the interests of Bangladeshi Hindus and minorities. Chinmayananda became the spokesperson for the group, which organized several rallies in Chattogram and Rangpur, attended by thousands.
