ISKCON Bangladesh chief says resisting forced conversions are being targeted | World News

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Bangladesh is being targeted by fundamentalists seeking to tarnish its reputation for its efforts to unite the persecuted Hindu community and resist forced transformations in the country, the religious group’s chief said on Thursday.

In a telephone interview with PTI from Dhaka, Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari, ISKCON’s chief in Bangladesh, rejected demands to ban the organisation’s activities in the country and expressed relief over the Supreme Court’s order.

Also read: ISKCON Bangladesh distances itself from Chinmoy Krishna Das: ‘Their actions…’

Welcoming the Supreme Court’s decision as evidence of this, he said, “No government would ever accept such demands of extremists as we are a peaceful organisation.”

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh on Thursday rejected a petition to ban ISKCON’s activities in the country.

Das Brahmachari described the decision as a validation of the organisation’s peaceful and humanitarian efforts.

“It will not serve any purpose to ban a peaceful organization like ISKCON. We have always worked for the good of humanity,” he said, adding that the fundamentalists’ campaign against ISKCON stemmed from the group’s efforts to support Hindus living under the constant threat of persecution.

The senior monk painted a grim picture of the current situation of minorities in Bangladesh, especially Hindus, stating that their lives are filled with fear.

Speaking to PTI, the general secretary of ISKCON in Bangladesh highlighted the challenges faced by the group and the Hindu community in the country.

“Fundamentalists are attacking ISKCON because we are trying to instill fear and force Hindus to convert by standing in the way of their agenda. Through our teachings and initiatives, we are uniting Hindus living under threat,” he said.

Das Brahmachari emphasized that ISKCON Bangladesh constantly promotes unity and harmony and stays away from all kinds of conflicts, social or otherwise.

According to him, attacks on ISKCON are part of systematic efforts by fundamentalists to undermine the work of the organization.

“Through our teachings, ISKCON unites Hindus and instills courage in those who feel threatened. That is why religious fundamentalists attack us,” he said.

Das Brahmachari claimed that fundamentalist groups were systematically working to undermine the Hindu society in Bangladesh.

“The aim is to destroy Hindus through fear and forced conversion. ISKCON’s efforts to bring back forced converts have made us a target,” he said.

He dismissed calls to ban ISKCON as unfounded and maintained that the group operated legally and remained the only government-registered Hindu religious body in Bangladesh.

When asked about the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was detained on sedition charges earlier this week, Das Brahmachari explained that the man was expelled from ISKCON for disciplinary reasons in September.

“We cannot take responsibility for anyone who is not our member. ISKCON Bangladesh has nothing to do with this tragic incident or the ongoing protests,” he said, clearly referring to the killing of a lawyer in a clash between security personnel and supporters of Chinmoy Krishna Das.

He lamented the spread of false narratives linking ISKCON to various incidents, including road accidents, and described it as “unfortunate”.

Chinmoy Krishna Das, who also served as the spokesperson of Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, was denied bail and sent to jail by the Chattogram Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate Court on Tuesday.

ISKCON officials said complaints were received against Chinmoy Krishna Das in June, leading to his deportation three months later.

Hindus, who made up about 22% of Bangladesh’s population at the time of the 1971 War of Liberation, now make up roughly 8% due to socio-political marginalization and decades of sporadic violence.

Das Brahmachari appealed to the interim government led by Chief Counselor Muhammad Yunus to ensure the safety and security of Hindus.

“Indians also have equal rights in Bangladesh because they are children of this country,” he said.

The ISKCON leader stated that he had met with Yunus three times since Yunus took office in August, seeking assurances about the security of the minority community.

“Yunus assured me that Hindus will live without fear. I hope this assurance turns into reality,” he said.

The plight of Hindus in Bangladesh has attracted international attention, but Yunus described the issue as “hyper exaggerated” in an interview with PTI in September.

According to him, the attacks on Hindus were politically motivated rather than socially motivated and stemmed from the perception that the society largely supported the ousted Awami League regime.

Das Brahmachari strongly denied Yunus’ allegations, insisting that the violence was due to deep-rooted communal hostility.

“Fundamentalists are using political unrest as an excuse to attack Hindus. The situation is dire and requires urgent intervention. “If the attacks are truly political, then why are temples and Hindu religious sites being attacked, why are ordinary Hindu citizens being attacked?” he asked.

Despite the difficulties, Das Brahmachari reiterated ISKCON’s commitment to peace and unity.

“We have never been involved in any conflict. Our focus remains on promoting harmony and supporting those in need,” he said.

He also condemned the spread of misinformation aimed at defaming ISKCON and called on the government and civil society to see through such tactics.

“These attacks are not only against ISKCON, but also against the principles of peace and coexistence,” he said.

The senior monk emphasized that ISKCON’s activities are transparent and aim to benefit society at large.

“Our mission is to serve humanity and preserve cultural and religious heritage. “Claims to the contrary are false and malicious,” he said.

The ISKCON leader called for joint efforts to ensure the safety and dignity of all communities in Bangladesh.

“The government must protect minorities and promote the values ​​of equality and justice,” he said.

He called on the interim government to take decisive action to protect minorities and uphold the principles of justice and equality.

“These attacks are not only against ISKCON, but also against the values ​​of tolerance and coexistence. We must work together to build a future where everyone can live without fear,” he said.