Amid rising tensions and targeted violence against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, another ISKCON priest, Shyam Das, has been arrested, according to ISKCON Kolkata spokesperson Radharamn Das. The arrest occurred when Shyam Das visited fellow monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was detained earlier this week on sedition charges.
Radharamn Das criticized the arrest, questioning its justification. “Does he look like a terrorist? The arrest of innocent ISKCON brahmacharis is deeply shocking and disturbing,” he tweeted, adding the hashtag FreeISKCONMonksBangladesh.
Das also shared footage of an ISKCON centre in Bhairab being vandalised, writing, “No respite in sight.”
A String of Violence in Bangladesh
The attacks on Hindu temples and religious leaders have intensified since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government in August. Reports indicate over 200 Hindu temples have been targeted. Last week, Bangladesh authorities froze the bank accounts of 17 individuals linked to ISKCON, including Chinmoy Krishna Das, amid allegations of religious extremism.
ALSO READ: Kolkata hospital halts treatment for Bangladeshi patients amid ‘disrespect’ to Indian flag
Does he look like a terrorist?#FreeISKCONMonks Bangladesh. The arrest of innocent #ISKCON brahmacharis are deeply shocking & disturbing. pic.twitter.com/VG6u7jlnXB
— Radharamn Das राधारमण दास (@RadharamnDas) November 30, 2024
Despite calls from the attorney general to ban ISKCON as a “religious fundamentalist organization,” the Bangladesh High Court has declined to impose a ban on the global movement.
ALSO READ: Bangladesh freezes 17 bank accounts linked to ISKCON
The escalating violence has sparked protests across Bangladesh and in neighboring India. Demonstrators gathered outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, condemning the targeted attacks on Hindus.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern over the incidents. “India has consistently and strongly raised with the Bangladesh government the threats and targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities. We call upon Bangladesh to take steps for the protection of minorities,” the ministry stated.
Rising Extremist Sentiment
The rise in violence has been accompanied by growing extremist rhetoric in Bangladesh, adding to fears of increased persecution of minority communities. The vandalism of ISKCON centres and arrests of its members have further exacerbated tensions.
Religious leaders and activists have urged Bangladesh’s government to ensure the safety and security of its minority communities, particularly Hindus, as the attacks draw international attention.
