The former head of ISKCON in Bangladesh, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, was arrested and charged with sedition on Monday, leading to India intervening in the situation. Clashes between security forces and Hindu protestors resulted in the death of a Muslim lawyer defending Das. Amid the chaos, Bangladesh's government has ordered an investigation and ISKCON has denied any connection to terrorism.
Arrest of Former ISKCON Head in Bangladesh Sparks Unrest and Diplomatic Row
Background:
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also known as the Hare Krishna movement, has been active in Bangladesh for several decades. The group has built temples and community centers across the country, and its followers are primarily from the Hindu community.
Arrest and Sedition Charges:
On August 15, 2023, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, the former head of ISKCON in Bangladesh, was arrested and charged with sedition. The charges stemmed from a Facebook post he allegedly made, criticizing the government's handling of a communal violence incident.
Protest and Violence:
The arrest of Brahmachari sparked protests by Hindu groups, who alleged that the charges were politically motivated. They also claimed that the government was targeting the Hindu community. Clashes between security forces and protesters erupted, resulting in the death of a Muslim lawyer who was defending Brahmachari.
India's Intervention:
India, which has a large Hindu population, intervened in the situation, expressing concern over the violence and calling for a fair investigation. The Indian government also dispatched a team of diplomats to Bangladesh.
Government Response:
Bangladesh's government ordered an investigation into the violence and promised to take action against those responsible. However, it also maintained that the arrest of Brahmachari was a matter of law enforcement and that it would not tolerate any attempts to incite communal unrest.
ISKCON's Denial:
ISKCON has denied any connection to terrorism or seditious activities. The organization stressed that it is a peaceful and lawful movement dedicated to promoting spiritual and cultural values.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
Q1: Why was Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari arrested? A1: He was arrested and charged with sedition for allegedly making a Facebook post critical of the government's handling of communal violence.
Q2: What sparked the protests and violence? A2: The arrest of Brahmachari and allegations that the government was targeting the Hindu community.
Q3: What was the role of India in the situation? A3: India expressed concern, intervened diplomatically, and called for a fair investigation.
Q4: What is the government's response to the violence? A4: The government has ordered an investigation and promised to take action against those responsible.
Q5: What is ISKCON's position on the allegations? A5: ISKCON denies any connection to terrorism or seditious activities and maintains that it is a peaceful organization.
Dr. Abraham Mathai, a former Vice-Chairman of Maharashtra State Minorities Commission, has written to the President of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to intervene and secure the release of jailed Iranian Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Ms. Narges Mohammadi, on humanitarian grounds. Mohammadi, who has been imprisoned by Iran for 10 years, is in a precarious state of health and urgently needs comprehensive medical treatment. Ahead of Iran's review under the UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review, Mathai is urging UNHRC to compel the Iranian authorities to release Mohammadi so she can receive proper care for her serious medical conditions.
India has expressed deep concern over the arrest and denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagaran Jote and head of Pundarik Dham. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the arrest and highlighted the continuing violence against minorities in Bangladesh, urging authorities to ensure their safety and right to peaceful assembly. Protests have broken out in various parts of Bangladesh, with hundreds of Hindus rallying in Chittagong in response to the news.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has called upon the Indian government to intervene and secure the release of prominent Hindu leader and priest, Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was detained by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police in Bangladesh. ISKCON, known for its peaceful Bhakti movement, has strongly condemned the baseless allegations connecting the organization with terrorism. Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spokesperson for Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha and a prominent figure in the ISKCON community, was taken into custody by the detective branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police.
Today marks 16 years since the deadly and unforgettable 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, India. As people remember the victims and honor the brave heroes who fought during the attacks, let's not forget the selflessness and courage of Tukaram Omble, an unarmed police officer who saved lives by bravely standing up to terrorist Ajmal Kasab, and Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, a commando who sacrificed his life while leading the rescue mission at the Taj Hotel. On this somber anniversary, we pay tribute to these and other unsung heroes who risked everything to protect and serve their fellow citizens.
Maharashtra Governor and Chief Minister, along with senior officials, pay tributes to martyrs who lost their lives during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, carried out by 10 terrorists from the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba group. The attacks resulted in the deaths of 166 people and sparked widespread global condemnation, leading to changes in India's counter-terrorism measures. Family members of the martyrs also joined in the tributes, honoring the ultimate sacrifice made by their loved ones.
On November 26, 2008, Mumbai was struck by a devastating terror attack that claimed the lives of 166 individuals and left hundreds injured. As the city observed the 16th anniversary of this tragic event, people across the nation paid their respects to the victims and honored the bravery of security personnel. The coordinated attacks by LeT militants targeted both civilians and law enforcement, serving as a stark reminder of the threat posed by terrorism. Nine attackers were neutralized by security forces, with the sole surviving perpetrator being sentenced to death and executed in 2012. The 26/11 attacks continue to be remembered as a tragic chapter in India's history, demonstrating the resilience and courage of Mumbai and its people.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has requested the Indian government to intervene and secure the release of its leader Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was detained by Dhaka Metropolitan Police in Bangladesh. ISKCON has vehemently denied any involvement with terrorism and is calling for the immediate release of Chinmoy Krishna Das. The organization has asked the Government of India to reach out to their Bangladeshi counterparts and convey their peaceful message as a Bhakti movement.
On November 26, 2024, India commemorated the 16th anniversary of the tragic 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, one of the deadliest in the nation's history. Leaders from across the country paid their respects to the lives lost and reaffirmed their commitment to fighting against terrorism. President Droupadi Murmu, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah all offered heartfelt tributes and condemned terrorism as a heinous blot on humanity.
Hindus in Bangladesh took to the streets demanding the release of monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu after he was detained by officials and taken to an undisclosed location. Protests turned violent when unknown miscreants attacked protesters in Dhaka and Chittagong, leading to injuries of over 20 people. Sources suggest that the arrest was a ploy by the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, to target the minority Hindu community.