ISKCON Calls Chinmoy Krishna Das's Arrest In Dhaka 'Outrageous', Urges India To Take Immediate Steps
The organisation said it is outrageous to make baseless allegations that ISKCON has anything to do with terrorism anywhere in the world.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) sought India's "immediate" intervention after the arrest of ISKCON Bangladesh leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in Dhaka. Das's arrest led to protests by his supporters in at least 16 districts including Chittagong, Cox's Bazar and Narayanganj, in the state.
Hundreds of people from the Hindu community took to the streets at the Cheragi Pahar intersection in the port city, demanding the immediate release of Das. At least 35 people were injured in the attack on ISKCON supporters in Shahbagh, Dhaka, including a teacher of Chittagong University and several women.
ISKCON said it is outrageous to make baseless allegations that ISKCON has anything to do with terrorism anywhere in the world.
"ISKCON,Inc. urges the Government of India to take immediate steps and speak to the Government of Bangladesh and convey that we are a peace-loving Bhakti movement," it said on X.
We have come across disturbing reports that Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das, one of the prominent leaders of ISKCON Bangladesh, has been detained by the Dhaka police.
— Iskcon,Inc. (@IskconInc) November 25, 2024
It is outrageous to make baseless allegations that ISKCON has anything to do with terrorism anywhere in the world.…
"We want the Government of Bangladesh to release Chinmoy Krishna Das immediately. Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of these devotees," the organisation said.
Why Was Chinmoy Krishna Das Arrested?
Brahmachari, spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha and head of Pundarik Dham in Chittagong, was taken into custody by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police on Monday at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
The arrest comes in the wake of a sedition case filed against Das and 18 others on October 30. They are accused of disrespecting Bangladesh's national flag during a rally of the Hindu community held in October. The group allegedly hoisted a saffron flag associated with ISKCON over Bangladesh's national flag during a rally at Chattogram's New Market intersection, as per Dhaka Tribune's report.
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Chief Priest Acharya Satyendra Das also condemned the police action, terming it wrong. "This is absolutely wrong. I believe Bangladesh is also treating Hindus the way Pakistan used to treat them. The people who take a stand for Hindus are arrested like this, which is wrong. Our government should intervene in this. If Govt do not say anything, atrocities against Hindus will continue," he said.
#WATCH | Ayodhya, UP: On the detention of ISKCON Bangladesh priest Chinmoy Krishna Das by Dhaka police, Chief Priest of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Acharya Satyendra Das says, "This is absolutely wrong. I believe Bangladesh is also treating Hindus the way Pakistan used to treat… pic.twitter.com/DtiQl2nBX5
— ANI (@ANI) November 26, 2024
Expressing concern over Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu's arrest, Sadhguru issued a statement on X, stressing on the the value of having an open democracy. He also hit out at Bangladesg for "becoming autocratic and theoratic".
"It is disgraceful to see how a democratic nation is disintegrating to become theocratic and autocratic. It is the responsibility of every citizen to understand the value of having an open democracy. Persecution on the basis of religion or weakness of demographics is not the way of democratic nations. Unfortunately, our neighborhood has slipped away from democratic principles," his statement read.
"It should be the responsibility of every citizen of Bangladesh to build back a democratic nation where all citizens will have the needed rights and ability to fulfill their lives as per their requirements and belief," Sadhguru noted.
It is disgraceful to see how a democratic nation is disintegrating to become theocratic and autocratic. It is the responsibility of every citizen to understand the value of having an open democracy. Persecution on the basis of religion or weakness of demographics is not the way… https://t.co/qlDx6sItVu
— Sadhguru (@SadhguruJV) November 26, 2024
Who Is Chinmoy Krishna Das?
According to news agency AFP, Krishna Das is a prominent Hindu leader in Bangladesh and a member of the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatan Jagaran Jote group. Krishna Das has also worked as the spokesperson of ISKCON.
He has been a vocal advocate for Hindu rights in Bangladesh and has been a vocal critic of targeted hate attacks and religious discrimination in the country.
(With inputs from Manogya Loiwal)
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