Iron Fist on Hindu Organizations in Bangladesh: Arrest of ISKCON Guru Chinmay Prabhu Sparks Protests
In a shocking development, ISKCON guru Chinmay Prabhu, also known as Chinmoy Krishna Das, has been arrested by the Bangladesh government under a sedition charge. The arrest has caused an uproar in the Hindu community, both in Bangladesh and across India. The case was registered on October 30 at the Kotwali police station in Chittagong, accusing Chinmay Das and 18 others of insulting the national flag of Bangladesh during a rally organized by the Hindu community.
The rally, held in support of the Hindu Samaj, was reportedly attended by a large number of devotees, where it is alleged that the national flag was desecrated. However, ISKCON has vehemently denied these allegations, calling them baseless. The organization expressed their outrage on the social media platform X, stating, “It is outrageous that ISKCON has nothing to do with any terrorism in the world. It is outrageous to make baseless allegations.”
Chinmay Krishna Das, a prominent leader of the ISKCON movement in Bangladesh, was detained by the Dhaka police on the instructions of the police intelligence branch. The arrest took place at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, sparking alarm among the community. ISKCON has called for the immediate release of Chinmay Das, with the organization praying to Lord Krishna for his safety and well-being.
Hindu Communities React to Arrest
The arrest of Chinmay Krishna Das has angered Hindu communities in Bangladesh, leading to widespread protests. In Chittagong, hundreds of people gathered at Cheragi Pahad intersection, demanding the release of the detained ISKCON guru. The protests reflect the growing frustration within the Hindu community, who view the arrest as an unjust action targeting their religious practices.
The Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council of Bangladesh has condemned the arrest, arguing that such actions could tarnish Bangladesh’s international reputation. The council, along with other local Hindu organizations, has called for the immediate release of Chinmay Krishna Das, urging the Bangladesh government to reconsider its position.
ISKCON’s Appeal to Indian Government
In response to the arrest, ISKCON has urged the Indian government to intervene on behalf of the detained leader. The organization has appealed directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting him to take immediate action and speak to the Bangladesh government regarding the situation.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has also been actively involved, tagging the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Embassy in Bangladesh, and the Ministry of External Affairs Bangladesh in an effort to resolve the issue diplomatically. ISKCON’s message is clear: the organization is a peaceful, devotional movement and has no ties to any terrorist activities.
Bangladesh’s Image Under Scrutiny
The arrest has raised questions about the treatment of religious minorities in Bangladesh, with the Hindu community fearing that such actions could harm the country’s image globally. The Indian government’s response to the issue will likely play a key role in determining the course of future relations between the two neighboring nations.
Chinmay Krishna Das’s arrest is not just a matter of one individual’s detention, but a larger issue concerning the treatment of Hindu organizations and their leaders in Bangladesh. As protests continue to grow, the situation remains tense, with both communities and governments closely watching the developments.
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