Huge blow for Bangladesh govt; Dhaka High Court refuses to ban ISKCON

DHAKA: The Dhaka High Court on Thursday refused to issue a ban on the activities of the Hindu organization ISKCON (International Society For Krishna Consciousness) in Bangladesh. The court stated that there is no need to ban ISKCON's activities as the government has informed that it had already taken necessary actions. The court was hearing a petition seeking a ban on ISKCON's activities following the increased communal conflicts in the country after the arrest of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari.

The petition was filed by a lawyer named Md Monir Uddin. The petitioner also requested the court to enforce Section 144 in Chattogram, Rangpur, and Dinajpur cities to avoid untoward situations.

The other day, Attorney General Mohammad Asaduzzaman had told the high court that ISKCON was a 'religious fundamentalist' organization that should be banned. He also said that the government was monitoring the activities of ISKCON. Meanwhile, one more temple was attacked in Chattogram on Wednesday amid demands from the Hindu community for stronger laws and a dedicated minority affairs ministry to protect their rights. Some extremist groups in Bangladesh, which claim that ISKCON is a terrorist organization, are also issuing death threats against devotees. The attack on minorities, including Hindus, has been on the rise in Bangladesh ever since Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power.

Condemning the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, India urged Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of minority communities, including Hindus. However, Bangladesh's foreign ministry responded by stating that India should not interfere in Bangladesh's internal affairs. Hundreds of people are protesting in Bangladesh demanding the release of Chinmoy Das and justice for Hindus. They are also demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi should intervene in the matter.