Iskcon, or International Society for Krishna Consciousness, is in sharp focus in Bangladesh after the arrest of one of its monks and a petition in the Dhaka High Court on banning it.

The court on Thursday (Nov. 28) rejected the plea to ban, filed by a&nbsp;lawyer who claimed that Iskcon is banned in several countries.

The ban was sought after the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, an Iskcon priest who reportedly led rallies against attacks on Hindus in the country since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina as prime minister. Hasina fled to India in August after being ousted in a student-led popular uprising against her regime.

WATCH: Bangladesh High Court Rejects ISKCON Ban Plea Amid Priest’s Arrest | World DNA | WION

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Just hours into the Dhaka court's verdict, Iskcon Bangladesh dissociated itself from Chinmoy Krishna Das, saying he was recently expelled from the organisation.

Charu Chandra Das, the Iskcon Bangladesh general secretary, told reporters in Dhaka that it will not take any responsibility for the words or actions of Chinmoy Krishna Das.

<h2>What is Iskcon, the Hare Krishna movement?</h2>

Iskcon is a group devoted to the Hindu god Lord Krishna.

It was founded by AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

According to Iskcon lore, Swami Prabhupada travelled in a cargo ship to New York at the ripe old age of 69 without a penny in his pocket, and spread the word on Krishna consciousness. In 1966, he founded Iskcon in the American megapolis, along with his students.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-police-detain-iskcon-leader-krishna-das-at-dhaka-airport-report-779159">Also read: Bangladesh police detain ISKCON leader Krishna Das at Dhaka airport: Report</a> 
 
Often called the 'Hare Krishna' movement due to its main chants, Iskcon grew into a massive international organisation engaged in charitable and religious-spiritual activities.

In the heydays of 1970s counterculture in the US, several so-called hippies found their spiritual solace in organisations like Iskcon.

It expanded activities into several cities across the world and built temples in them.

Iskcon has a vast following in the western world, particularly in the US.

Iskcon is no stranger to controversy. It has been described in media accounts as a spiritual group and a cult, depending on the lens used to observe it.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-chinmoy-dass-arrest-high-court-to-hear-petition-seeking-ban-on-iskcon-in-bangladesh-779620">Also read: Chinmoy Das arrest: Petition filed in Bangladesh High Court seeking ban on ISKCON</a>

To quote an article in Iskconnews.org, Iskcon "is banned in Singapore, cherished in South Africa, tolerated in the USA, allowed in Indonesia, secretive in China, loved in India, underground in the Middle East, registered in Pakistan, valued in Brazil, present in Bangladesh, esteemed in Guyana, new in Korea, accepted in Canada, recognised in Malaysia, valued in Australia, established in Russia, permitted in Japan, honoured in Nigeria, treasured in Italy, heard in Germany, and appreciated in the UK."

Iskcon followers, also called 'Hare Krishnas', are conspicuous with their tonsured heads&nbsp;and simple Indian-style dressing, often in white or saffron colours, chanting, beads and garlands, and sandalwood paste 'tilaks'.

They chant, sing, play instruments and dance to Krishna devotional songs, engage in charitable activities, besides selling Krishna-linked books and other merchandise like the Hindu text Bhagawat Gita.

In 2021, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted the charitable work of Iskcon, including the help it did during the Covid pandemic that hit in 2020.

He was speaking after releasing a special commemorative coin of ₹125 on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Swami Prabhupada

"When there was an earthquake in Kutch in 2001...Iskon had stepped forward to serve the people. Whenever the country experienced any calamity, whether it is the tragedy of Uttarakhand or the devastation of cyclones in Odisha and Bengal, Iskcon has worked as a support for the society," Modi said at the occasion.

As Modi recalled, Iskcon served food to vulnerable populations during Covid at their homes under its Food for Life initiative.

<h2>Why is Iskcon facing trouble in Bangladesh?</h2>

It is being accused of disruptive activities in Bangaldesh after Iskcon monk Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested.

Das had led rallies for Hindu rights in Chattogram and Rangpur to protest the recent attacks against Hindus in Bangladesh.

The Dhaka High Court had asked the country's attorney general to report the government’s actions concerning Iskcon.

On Thursday, the attorney general’s office submitted before the court that 33 people were arrested, three cases registered regarding the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif and Iskcon's activities.

Saiful Islam was allegedly killed on Tuesday in Chittagong city during protests over the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das.

Bangladesh, where Hindus are a minority, has seen a charged political atmosphere since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina.

The arrest of Sharma and others is the latest in this series of events. In the past few days, there have been protests in several parts of Bangladesh over the arrest of Krishna Das, and the targeting of Iskcon and other Hindu temples.

In his earlier submission to the court, Bangladesh Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman called Iskcon a 'religious fundamentalist organisation' that the government is already scrutinising.

Iskcon vice president Radha Raman Das expressed shock at being called a radical organisation by the Bangladesh attorney general.

"Even in Bangladesh, during floods, we served so many people. We were questioned why we did so, yet we did it. Eight billion people have been fed by Iskcon worldwide. And we are being called a radical terrorist organisation?," he was quoted as saying by India Today website.

While urging world leaders to speak on the issue, Raman Das said the situation is 'out of hand' in Bangladesh and hoped things would improve when Donald Trump takes charge as US president.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iskcon, or International Society for Krishna Consciousness, is in sharp focus in Bangladesh after the arrest of one of its monks and a petition in the Dhaka High Court on banning it.

Iskcon, or International Society for Krishna Consciousness, is in sharp focus in Bangladesh after the arrest of one of its monks and a petition in the Dhaka High Court on banning it. The court on Thursday (Nov. 28) rejected the plea to ban, filed by a lawyer who claimed that Iskcon is banned in several countries. The ban was sought after the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, an Iskcon priest who reportedly led rallies against attacks on Hindus in the country since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina as prime minister. Hasina fled to India in August after being ousted in a student-led popular uprising against her regime. WATCH: Bangladesh High Court Rejects ISKCON Ban Plea Amid Priest’s Arrest | World DNA | WION × Just hours into the Dhaka court's verdict, Iskcon Bangladesh dissociated itself from Chinmoy Krishna Das, saying he was recently expelled from the organisation. Charu Chandra Das, the Iskcon Bangladesh general secretary, told reporters in Dhaka that it will not take any responsibility for the words or actions of Chinmoy Krishna Das. What is Iskcon, the Hare Krishna movement? Iskcon is a group devoted to the Hindu god Lord Krishna. It was founded by AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. According to Iskcon lore, Swami Prabhupada travelled in a cargo ship to New York at the ripe old age of 69 without a penny in his pocket, and spread the word on Krishna consciousness. In 1966, he founded Iskcon in the American megapolis, along with his students. Also read: Bangladesh police detain ISKCON leader Krishna Das at Dhaka airport: Report Often called the 'Hare Krishna' movement due to its main chants, Iskcon grew into a massive international organisation engaged in charitable and religious-spiritual activities. In the heydays of 1970s counterculture in the US, several so-called hippies found their spiritual solace in organisations like Iskcon. It expanded activities into several cities across the world and built temples in them. Iskcon has a vast following in the western world, particularly in the US. Iskcon is no stranger to controversy. It has been described in media accounts as a spiritual group and a cult, depending on the lens used to observe it. Also read: Chinmoy Das arrest: Petition filed in Bangladesh High Court seeking ban on ISKCON To quote an article in Iskconnews.org, Iskcon "is banned in Singapore, cherished in South Africa, tolerated in the USA, allowed in Indonesia, secretive in China, loved in India, underground in the Middle East, registered in Pakistan, valued in Brazil, present in Bangladesh, esteemed in Guyana, new in Korea, accepted in Canada, recognised in Malaysia, valued in Australia, established in Russia, permitted in Japan, honoured in Nigeria, treasured in Italy, heard in Germany, and appreciated in the UK." Iskcon followers, also called 'Hare Krishnas', are conspicuous with their tonsured heads and simple Indian-style dressing, often in white or saffron colours, chanting, beads and garlands, and sandalwood paste 'tilaks'. They chant, sing, play instruments and dance to Krishna devotional songs, engage in charitable activities, besides selling Krishna-linked books and other merchandise like the Hindu text Bhagawat Gita. In 2021, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted the charitable work of Iskcon, including the help it did during the Covid pandemic that hit in 2020. He was speaking after releasing a special commemorative coin of ₹125 on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Swami Prabhupada "When there was an earthquake in Kutch in 2001...Iskon had stepped forward to serve the people. Whenever the country experienced any calamity, whether it is the tragedy of Uttarakhand or the devastation of cyclones in Odisha and Bengal, Iskcon has worked as a support for the society," Modi said at the occasion. As Modi recalled, Iskcon served food to vulnerable populations during Covid at their homes under its Food for Life initiative. Why is Iskcon facing trouble in Bangladesh? It is being accused of disruptive activities in Bangaldesh after Iskcon monk Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested. Das had led rallies for Hindu rights in Chattogram and Rangpur to protest the recent attacks against Hindus in Bangladesh. The Dhaka High Court had asked the country's attorney general to report the government’s actions concerning Iskcon. On Thursday, the attorney general’s office submitted before the court that 33 people were arrested, three cases registered regarding the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif and Iskcon's activities. Saiful Islam was allegedly killed on Tuesday in Chittagong city during protests over the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das. Bangladesh, where Hindus are a minority, has seen a charged political atmosphere since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. The arrest of Sharma and others is the latest in this series of events. In the past few days, there have been protests in several parts of Bangladesh over the arrest of Krishna Das, and the targeting of Iskcon and other Hindu temples. In his earlier submission to the court, Bangladesh Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman called Iskcon a 'religious fundamentalist organisation' that the government is already scrutinising. Iskcon vice president Radha Raman Das expressed shock at being called a radical organisation by the Bangladesh attorney general. "Even in Bangladesh, during floods, we served so many people. We were questioned why we did so, yet we did it. Eight billion people have been fed by Iskcon worldwide. And we are being called a radical terrorist organisation?," he was quoted as saying by India Today website. While urging world leaders to speak on the issue, Raman Das said the situation is 'out of hand' in Bangladesh and hoped things would improve when Donald Trump takes charge as US president. (With inputs from agencies)

What is Iskcon, the Krishna consciousness movement in the eye of storm in Bangladesh amid anti-Hindu violence?

Bangladesh Police have said that they have identified the man behind the ‘blasphemous incident’ in Comilla which triggered nationwide communal violence against Hindus in the past week.

The culprit has been identified as Iqbal Hossain, 35, from Sujanagar area of Comilla city. However, he is yet to be arrested.

According to the Dhaka Tribune, the police were able to zero in on the identity of the accused after analysing the CCTV footage at the venue where the Hindu holy festival of Durga Puja was taking place.

The CCTV footage showed that on October 13, Iqbal took the Islamic holy book Quran from a mosque and placed it on the knee of a statue of the Hindu god Hanuman in the shrine.

He was later seen walking away with the Hindu God’s club in his hand.

Comilla Superintendent of Police (SP) Farooq Ahmed confirmed the identity on Wednesday. Police say Iqbal Hossain is a drifter. It is still unknown whether he has any involvement with any political parties.

Police have filed four cases over the Comilla incident and arrested 41 people till now. Of them, four were Iqbal’s associates.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hours-after-pms-warning-iskcon-temple-vandalised-in-bangladesh-421103">Hours after PM's warning, ISKCON temple vandalised in Bangladesh</a>

Amena Begum, Iqbal's mother, claimed that Iqbal was a drug addict and used to torture his family members in various ways.

“He loved to stay at different shrines across the country,” she was quoted as saying.

Amena claimed Iqbal had some psychological issues for the last 10 years as he had been stabbed in the stomach by some neighbours.

Watch

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According to the Dhaka Tribune, his younger brother Raihan had been helping the police since Friday to find Iqbal.

Iqbal’s family stated that if Iqbal was really guilty, then he should be punished.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islam-is-not-our-state-religion-will-revert-to-1972-constitution-bangladesh-minister-after-attack-on-hindus-421645">Islam is not our state religion, will revert to 1972 constitution: Bangladesh Minister after attack on Hindus</a>

Raihan also said that Iqbal might have been provoked by someone or some groups.

Earlier, Bangladesh home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said authorities had identified the person behind the Comilla incident.

“I hope the prime suspect in the Comilla incident will be arrested soon… he has been changing locations frequently to avoid getting caught. We’ll be able to unfold the Comilla incident once he’s arrested,” he said.

Police arrested another person Md Foyez Ahmed, 41, on October 13 and got him on remand to interrogate him. He posted a Facebook live from the festival venue on that day that went viral.

After the video went viral on Facebook earlier this week, mobs of more than 500 people gathered in Cumilla and neighbouring districts over the alleged blasphemy.

About 10 Hindu temples and shrines were attacked and vandalised by the crowds, who threw stones and smashed statues of the Hindu gods.

The anti-Hindu violence continued the following day, where more than 80 special shrines set up for the Durga Puja festival were attacked, with about 150 Hindus injured and two killed.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh Police have said that they have identified the man behind the ‘blasphemous incident’ in Comilla which triggered nationwide communal violence against Hindus in the past week.

Bangladesh Police have said that they have identified the man behind the ‘blasphemous incident’ in Comilla which triggered nationwide communal violence against Hindus in the past week. The culprit has been identified as Iqbal Hossain, 35, from Sujanagar area of Comilla city. However, he is yet to be arrested. According to the Dhaka Tribune, the police were able to zero in on the identity of the accused after analysing the CCTV footage at the venue where the Hindu holy festival of Durga Puja was taking place. The CCTV footage showed that on October 13, Iqbal took the Islamic holy book Quran from a mosque and placed it on the knee of a statue of the Hindu god Hanuman in the shrine. He was later seen walking away with the Hindu God’s club in his hand. Comilla Superintendent of Police (SP) Farooq Ahmed confirmed the identity on Wednesday. Police say Iqbal Hossain is a drifter. It is still unknown whether he has any involvement with any political parties. Police have filed four cases over the Comilla incident and arrested 41 people till now. Of them, four were Iqbal’s associates. Also read | Hours after PM's warning, ISKCON temple vandalised in Bangladesh Amena Begum, Iqbal's mother, claimed that Iqbal was a drug addict and used to torture his family members in various ways. “He loved to stay at different shrines across the country,” she was quoted as saying. Amena claimed Iqbal had some psychological issues for the last 10 years as he had been stabbed in the stomach by some neighbours. Watch According to the Dhaka Tribune, his younger brother Raihan had been helping the police since Friday to find Iqbal. Iqbal’s family stated that if Iqbal was really guilty, then he should be punished. Also read | Islam is not our state religion, will revert to 1972 constitution: Bangladesh Minister after attack on Hindus Raihan also said that Iqbal might have been provoked by someone or some groups. Earlier, Bangladesh home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said authorities had identified the person behind the Comilla incident. “I hope the prime suspect in the Comilla incident will be arrested soon… he has been changing locations frequently to avoid getting caught. We’ll be able to unfold the Comilla incident once he’s arrested,” he said. Police arrested another person Md Foyez Ahmed, 41, on October 13 and got him on remand to interrogate him. He posted a Facebook live from the festival venue on that day that went viral. After the video went viral on Facebook earlier this week, mobs of more than 500 people gathered in Cumilla and neighbouring districts over the alleged blasphemy. About 10 Hindu temples and shrines were attacked and vandalised by the crowds, who threw stones and smashed statues of the Hindu gods. The anti-Hindu violence continued the following day, where more than 80 special shrines set up for the Durga Puja festival were attacked, with about 150 Hindus injured and two killed. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh anti-Hindu violence: Man placing Holy Quran at Comilla shrine identified as Iqbal Hossain

India has taken up with Bangladeshi authorities the issue of violence targeting Hindu families in Bangladesh's Comilla district and the matter is being probed by the authorities there, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday.

Some radical Islamists vandalised and set on firehouses of several Hindu families in Bangladesh's Comilla district earlier this week over rumours about an alleged Facebook post slandering Islam.

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Asked about the incident at an online media briefing, the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said India's High Commission and posts in Bangladesh are in close contact with local authorities in Bangladesh over the incident.

"They have taken up this incident and we have been informed that the Bangladesh authorities have looked at this incident very seriously and the law enforcement authorities there are investigating the outbreak of violence," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hindu-widows-entitled-to-a-share-in-husbands-property-bangladesh-high-court-324983">Hindu widows entitled to a share in husband's property: Bangladesh High Court</a>

They also continue to remain vigilant to prevent any untoward disturbances, Srivastava added.

The households were vandalised and later set on fire on Sunday after a Bangladeshi man, who lives in France, allegedly praised President Emmanuel Macron for taking steps against "inhumane ideologies" after a teacher in Paris was decapitated for showing caricatures of the Prophet, Bangladeshi officials had said.

To a separate question on fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, Srivastava said his bail application was rejected on October 26 by a UK court and a hearing was also held in the case on November 3.

The next hearing is on January 7-8, 2021 and till then Nirav Modi will be in judicial custody, he said.

On the Kerala gold smuggling case, Srivastava said one accused has been arrested by the NIA and he cannot comment as the matter is under investigation.

India has taken up with Bangladeshi authorities the issue of violence targeting Hindu families in Bangladesh's Comilla district and the matter is being probed by the authorities there, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday.

India has taken up with Bangladeshi authorities the issue of violence targeting Hindu families in Bangladesh's Comilla district and the matter is being probed by the authorities there, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday. Some radical Islamists vandalised and set on firehouses of several Hindu families in Bangladesh's Comilla district earlier this week over rumours about an alleged Facebook post slandering Islam. Asked about the incident at an online media briefing, the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said India's High Commission and posts in Bangladesh are in close contact with local authorities in Bangladesh over the incident. "They have taken up this incident and we have been informed that the Bangladesh authorities have looked at this incident very seriously and the law enforcement authorities there are investigating the outbreak of violence," he said. Also read: Hindu widows entitled to a share in husband's property: Bangladesh High Court They also continue to remain vigilant to prevent any untoward disturbances, Srivastava added. The households were vandalised and later set on fire on Sunday after a Bangladeshi man, who lives in France, allegedly praised President Emmanuel Macron for taking steps against "inhumane ideologies" after a teacher in Paris was decapitated for showing caricatures of the Prophet, Bangladeshi officials had said. To a separate question on fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, Srivastava said his bail application was rejected on October 26 by a UK court and a hearing was also held in the case on November 3. The next hearing is on January 7-8, 2021 and till then Nirav Modi will be in judicial custody, he said. On the Kerala gold smuggling case, Srivastava said one accused has been arrested by the NIA and he cannot comment as the matter is under investigation.

India discusses violence targeting Hindus with Bangladesh, incident being probed: MEA