ISKCON urges ‘special’ prayer, kirtan today; claims arrest of 2 more monks, Chinmoy Krishna Das' secretary in Bangladesh

Bangaladesh Unrest: ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) has called on its global followers to unite in prayer on December 1 for the safety of its devotees and religious minorities in Bangladesh. 

The temple network, ISKCON urged people to visit their nearest ISKCON centre for special prayers and kirtan (devotional chanting) on Sunday. The prayer request, posted on the microblogging site X (formerly Twitter), calls for peace and safety in the ‘troubled’ Bangladesh.

"Please join your local #ISKCON temple or center for special prayers and kirtan this Sunday, December 1, requesting Lord Krishna to protect our devotees and other religious minorities in Bangladesh," read the post.

Meanwhile, Tripura's transport minister on Sunday claimed that an Indian bus was attacked in Bangladesh. 

Bangladesh Police Arrest Two More Monks?

Tensions have escalated in Bangladesh as ISKCON Kolkata has reported the arrest of two monks and a secretary of spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das by the Bangladesh authorities.

The monks, Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari, were reportedly arrested while returning from a meeting with Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was detained on charges of sedition on November 25.

ISKCON Kolkata’s Vice President, Radha Raman, confirmed the arrests, saying, “On November 29, when Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari were returning after meeting Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu, they were arrested by the police. We are also getting information that the secretary of Chinmoy Krishna Das has also been arrested.”

Violence Against ISKCON Centres in Bangladesh

In addition to the arrests, Radha Raman claimed that rioters have targeted and vandalised an ISKCON centre in Bangladesh.

The ongoing violence against religious minorities has left the community feeling helpless. “Rioters have also vandalised an ISKCON centre in Bangladesh. Such incidents are not coming to a stop and we are feeling helpless,” said Raman in a video.

ISKCON has been vocal about the escalating situation in Bangladesh, urging followers worldwide to pray for the safety and wellbeing of the country’s minorities.

Chinmoy Krishna Das’ Arrest and Unrest

The unrest in Bangladesh began when spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on November 25, accused of sedition after allegedly hoisting a saffron flag above Bangladesh's national flag in Chittagong on October 25. The arrest has since led to violent clashes, including a fatal incident involving a lawyer in Chattogram on November 27.

ISKCON has condemned these events and continues to call for peace and justice for minorities in the region.

India’s Concern Over Rising Extremist Rhetoric

India has expressed grave concern over the increasing violence and extremist rhetoric in Bangladesh, especially targeting religious minorities. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement on Friday, urging the Bangladesh government to take immediate action to protect its minority communities.

In a weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised India’s ongoing concerns, stating, “India has consistently and strongly raised with the Bangladesh government the threats and targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities. We made our position very clear as far as the situation of Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh is concerned. The interim government must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities. We are concerned about the surge of extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence and provocation. These developments cannot be dismissed only as media exaggerations. We once again call upon Bangladesh to take all steps for the protection of minorities and safeguarding their interests.”