The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has clarified its stance on religious leader Chinmaya Krishna Prabhu Das. ISKCON issued a statement on social media on Friday night saying that Chinmay Prabhu is not an official member of the organization, but supports their rights and freedom. The organization has not and will not distance itself from Chinmaya Prabhu.
Chinmoy Prabhu has been arrested in Bangladesh on charges of sedition. After his arrest, there is an atmosphere of tension in the entire country. The cancellation of his bail application also led to violence in many places. Following this on Thursday, ISKCON Bangladesh distanced itself from Chinmoy Prabhu.
ISKCON Bangladesh General Secretary Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari said that Chinmay has been removed from all posts in the organization due to breach of discipline. They do not take responsibility for any of their statements or reactions. Since then ISKCON has been under criticism.
ISKCON Bangladesh General Secretary Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari giving a statement on the arrest of Chinmoy Prabhu.
Violence erupted after Chinmoy Prabhu's bail plea was rejected On November 26, the ISKCON chief's bail was rejected in Chittagong, following which lawyer Saiful Islam lost his life in the violence. After this, a petition was filed in the Bangladesh High Court on November 27, demanding a ban on ISKCON.
The lawyer who filed the petition told the court that the people of ISKCON are behind the death of Saiful. In such a situation this organization should be banned. The petition also demanded declaration of emergency in Chittagong. On this petition, Attorney General of Bangladesh Muhammad Asaduzman termed ISKCON as a religious fundamentalist organization.
Bangladesh ISKCON religious leader walks out of court after bail plea rejected
Dhaka High Court refuses to ban ISKCON On September 28, the Dhaka High Court rejected the demand to ban ISKCON. The interim government of Bangladesh told the court that we have taken necessary action against the activities of ISKCON. This issue is a priority of the government.
The government said that 3 cases have been registered so far and 33 people have been arrested in the ISKCON case. Army has been deployed to prevent any kind of unrest in the country.
During the hearing, the lawyer who filed the petition said-
This is the right time to ban ISKCON.
On that, the court said that this will be decided by the government.
Kolkata ISKCON workers demonstrated by kirtan against action on Bangladesh ISKCON.
Modi-Jaishankar meeting on Davao-Bangladesh ISKCON issue According to media reports, PM Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks on the ISKCON issue in Bangladesh on Thursday. The External Affairs Minister briefed him about the situation there.
At the same time, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that she is with the Center in this matter.
Sheikh Hasina also demanded Chinmay's release Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also condemned the arrest of ISKCON's Chinmoy Prabhu on Thursday and asked the interim government to release him immediately. Hasina said that a prominent leader of Sanatan Dharma has been unjustly arrested. Hasina said that a temple was burnt in Chittagong.
Earlier, mosques, churches and houses of the Ahmadiyya community were attacked. Hasina has asked to ensure religious freedom, security and protection of property of people of all communities. Hasina's statement was posted by her party Awami League on X.
Bangladesh Police escorting Chinmoy Prabhu to the Chittagong Metropolitan Magistrate Court on Tuesday.
Who is Chinmoy Prabhu, on whose arrest India got angry with Bangladesh? Chinmaya Krishna Das Brahmachari's real name is Chandan Kumar Dhar. He is the head of Chittagong ISKCON. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left the country on August 5, 2024 amid the ongoing violence in Bangladesh. This was followed by large-scale violence against Hindus.
After this Sanatan Jagran Manch was formed to protect the interests of Bangladeshi Hindus and minorities. Chinmay Prabhu became its spokesman. Through the Sanatan Jagran Manch, Chinmay addressed several rallies in Chittagong and Rangpur. Thousands of people participated in it.
Why was Chinmay Prabhu arrested? On October 25, Sanatan Jagran Manch held a rally at Laldighi Maidan in Chittagong with 8 point demands. Chinmay Krishna Das spoke in this. Meanwhile, some people hoisted saffron flag on Azadi Stambha in New Market Chowk. This flag had 'Aami Sanatani' written on it.
After the rally, on October 31, Feroze Khan, leader of Begum Khaleda's BNP party, filed a sedition case against 19 people, including Chinmoy Krishna Das, in Chittagong. He is accused of insulting the national flag.
How was Chinmay Prabhu arrested? Bangladesh Police arrested Chinmay Krishna Das Brahmachari from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday. He was going to Chittagong. ISKCON members present at the scene said that the DB police did not show any arrest warrant. They just said they wanted to talk. After this they took him to the bus.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Detective Branch (DB) Additional Commissioner of Police Rezaul Karim Malik said Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested following a police request. Chinmoy Das will be handed over to the concerned police station for legal proceedings.
What is the attitude of India regarding the arrest of Chinmoy Prabhu? India expressed displeasure over the arrest of Chinmoy Prabhu. India's Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement issued on Tuesday that we are concerned about the arrest of Chinmay Krishna Das. The Ministry of External Affairs said that it is unfortunate that criminals roam freely, but cases are pending against religious leaders who raise legitimate demands through peaceful meetings.
Important points of India's statement on the arrest of Chinmoy Prabhu…
Bangladesh also responded, saying the facts were misrepresented Bangladesh has also reacted to the statement issued by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. “It is very sad that the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das has been misrepresented by some,” Bangladesh's foreign ministry said on Tuesday.
Such statements not only misrepresent the facts, but are also against the spirit of friendship and mutual understanding between the two neighboring countries, the ministry said. The Bangladesh government wishes to reiterate that the country's judiciary is completely independent and that the government does not interfere in their functioning.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
