Is ISKCON a fundamentalist organization? What language is Bangladesh speaking?

New Delhi: The Bangladesh government has described ISKCON as a ‘religious fundamentalist organisation’. This matter came to light in the High Court during the hearing of the petition demanding ban on ISKCON. Widespread protests are taking place in Bangladesh following the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari and the targeting of ISKCON and other Hindu temples by radical Islamic organizations. Chinmoy Krishna Das has held two big rallies for Hindu rights in Chittagong and Rangpur. On Wednesday, a lawyer filed a petition to ban ISKCON. The lawyer mentioned the death of Assistant Public Prosecutor Saiful Islam in the court. Saiful Islam was killed in a clash between security personnel and his/her followers after the Hindu monk was refused bail. During the hearing, the court sought information from the Attorney General about ISKCON and its establishment in Bangladesh.

What did the court say?

Attorney General, Mohammad Asaduzzaman, said that ISKCON is not a political party. he/she said, ‘This is a religious fundamentalist organization. The government is investigating it. The High Court directed the Attorney General to submit a report by Thursday morning on the government’s stand on ISKCON and the law and order situation in the country. The court asked the government to stop the law and order situation from worsening. It is noteworthy that a few weeks ago, the Attorney General had suggested removing the word ‘secular’ from the Constitution because 90% of the country’s population is Muslim.

‘The situation is out of control…not in our control’

Responding to the petition, ISKCON vice president Radha Raman Das urged world leaders to speak out on the issue. he/she expressed hope that the situation will improve after Donald Trump takes oath as US President on January 20. Speaking to India Today, Das said, ‘The situation is out of control. Now it is not in our control. We will wait for January 20 when Donald Trump will take office. Hopefully then things will move forward.

ISKCON leaders angry at being called a fundamentalist organization

The ISKCON leader also expressed surprise at the Attorney General calling them a fundamentalist organization. he/she said, ‘Even during the floods in Bangladesh, we served many people. We were questioned why we did it, yet we did it. ISKCON has fed food to 8 billion people across the world. And we are being called a radical terrorist organization?

More than 200 attacks on Hindu community

Chinmoy Das (formerly a member of ISKCON) was arrested earlier this week for allegedly insulting the national flag during a rally of the Hindu community. his/her arrest triggered strong protests in the Hindu community. There have been more than 200 attacks on the Hindu community since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government on August 5.

How did India react?

The Bangladesh government has said that Das was arrested on charges of treason, not as a leader of any community. India also reacted to the arrest of Das, spokesperson of Bangladesh-based Sanatan Jagran Jot, which it described as extremely worrying. The MEA said, ‘This incident follows several attacks on Hindus and other minorities by fundamentalist elements in Bangladesh.’

serious questions arising

This incident raises serious questions about religious freedom and safety of minorities in Bangladesh. ISKCON is an international religious organization with millions of followers around the world. It is worrying that the Bangladesh government has called it ‘radical’. It remains to be seen what verdict the court gives in this matter and how the government handles the law and order situation. The arrest of Chinmoy Das and the protests that followed have increased tensions in Bangladesh. It is important that all parties maintain peace and follow the law.