ISKCON denies distancing itself from Chinmoy Krishna Das
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has strongly dismissed claims that it has distanced itself from Chinmoy Krishna Das, the Hindu monk who was recently arrested in Bangladesh. The organisation reaffirmed its support for Das and called for the protection of Hindus and their places of worship in the country.
In a statement released on Friday, ISKCON clarified that it has not distanced itself from Chinmoy Krishna Das, despite reports in Bangladeshi media suggesting otherwise. The organisation emphasised its ongoing support for Das and his peaceful efforts to protect Hindu rights and freedom in Bangladesh.
"ISKCON has not, and does not distance itself from supporting Chinmoy Krishna Das's rights and freedom for peacefully calling for protecting Hindus and their places of worship," the statement read.
This message came after media reports claimed that ISKCON denied involvement in Das’s activities. The controversy stems from his arrest on November 25, on charges of sedition by the Bangladesh government. Das had previously been expelled from ISKCON in October for breach of discipline.
ISKCON also reiterated its support for the safety and protection of Hindus in Bangladesh, alongside other Hindu and Sanatani groups. The organisation called for the restoration of peaceful coexistence with minority communities in the country.
“We also support, along with all other Sanatani groups, protection and safety of Hindus, and re-establishing an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence with minorities in Bangladesh,” the statement continued.
Despite the controversy, ISKCON made it clear that its press statements had only reaffirmed its earlier stance that Chinmoy Krishna Das no longer officially represented the organization in Bangladesh.
ISKCON Bangladesh denies allegations of involvement in violent protest
Meanwhile, ISKCON’s Bangladesh chapter issued a separate statement denying any involvement in a violent protest that erupted after Chinmoy Krishna Das’s arrest. The protest led to the killing of a lawyer, and some media outlets had linked the violence to ISKCON. The organisation called these allegations "baseless" and accused certain groups of launching a malicious campaign against ISKCON Bangladesh.
"A series of false, fabricated, and malicious campaigns are being spearheaded targeting ISKCON Bangladesh, particularly in connection with recent events," said Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari, the general secretary of ISKCON Bangladesh.
“These efforts are aimed at discrediting our organization and creating societal unrest.”
Allegations against Chinmoy Krishna Das
Chinmoy Krishna Das’s arrest followed allegations that he had disrespected the national flag during a rally in Chittagong, which was organised to protest the alleged persecution of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. The rally was part of a broader movement calling for greater protection of Hindus in the country.
Das was denied bail and sent to jail, with the Bangladesh government subsequently labeling ISKCON as a "fundamentalist" organisation. This led to calls for a ban on the organisation in the country.
However, on Thursday, a High Court in Bangladesh refused to ban ISKCON, stating that the current situation did not warrant such a measure.
ISKCON clarifies its position
In its latest statement, ISKCON reiterated that while Chinmoy Krishna Das is no longer an official member, the organization has not distanced itself from him. It emphasized its support for his efforts to protect the rights of Hindus in Bangladesh.
"ISKCON has not, and does not distance itself from supporting Chinmoy Krishna Das's rights and freedom for peacefully calling for protecting Hindus and their places of worship," the statement concluded.
(Agency Inputs)