Chinmoy Krishna Das Case: ISKCON’s Supporting Statement

On November 27, 2024, ISKCON expressed concern over the safety of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh amid a crisis. The organization called on the Bangladeshi government to protect the rights of all minorities, including Hindus and others, ensuring religious freedom. ISKCON emphasized the need for fair treatment and due process for Chinmoy Krishna Das, despite him not being an official representative. Recent legal actions considered banning ISKCON in Bangladesh raised alarms, given the organization's long history of peaceful contributions to society through humanitarian efforts. ISKCON urged responsible media handling to foster unity and protect all communities.

advtanmoy 30/11/2024 2 minutes read

Press Release

Bangladesh Crisis Update: ISKCON issued a statement supporting Chinmoy Krishna Das

By Anuttama Dasa, Communications Minister and ISKCON Communications Global Team | Nov 27, 2024

November 27, 2024

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) expresses deep concern over the volatile situation in Bangladesh, particularly regarding the safety of Hindu minorities and members of our Hare Krishna ISKCON community. We urge all authorities to ensure the security and well-being of all citizens during this challenging time.

We call upon the government of Bangladesh to safeguard the rights of all minorities, including Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and others, by upholding religious freedom and protecting their places of worship.

Additionally, we appeal that Chinmoy Krishna Das be aﬀorded due process and that his case be handled in accordance with international standards of justice. While he is neither an oﬃcial nor a representative of ISKCON, he is entitled to fair treatment.

Recent media reports indicate that the Bangladesh High Court is considering a writ petition seeking to ban ISKCON in the country, labeling it as a “fundamentalist religious organization.” While this motion has not been decided, its very existence is deeply troubling. ISKCON is a respected, inclusive global religious tradition. Regional ISKCON leaders are engaging with Bangladeshi government representatives to address this and related concerns.

For over fifty years, ISKCON members in Bangladesh have been law-abiding citizens and active contributors to society. Our organization runs orphanages, old-age homes, and free medical camps, and has consistently provided humanitarian aid during disasters such as floods, serving people of all religions and ethnicities.

The suggestion that ISKCON members are anything other than loyal and peaceful citizens is unfounded. Our spiritual tradition, which has sacred roots in the Bangladesh region, is followed by millions of practitioners worldwide and is known for its ethos of nonviolence and inclusivity.

We also urge the media and social media users to act responsibly by refraining from spreading unverified rumors or inflammatory narratives. Instead, let us work together to promote unity and the protection of all communities.

For a pdf of this statement, click here.

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