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<p>The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) on Friday (Nov 29) expressed its support for Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu, following reports suggesting the organisation had distanced itself from him after his arrest in Bangladesh on sedition charges.</p>

<h2><strong>'ISKCON does not distance itself from supporting Chinmoy Krishna Das'</strong></h2>

<p>“Iskcon has not and does not distance itself from supporting Chinmoy Krishna Das's rights and freedom for peacefully calling for protecting Hindus and their places of worship. We also support, along with all other sanatani groups, protection and safety of Hindus, and re-establishing an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence with minorities in Bangladesh,” the organisation said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Clarifying ISKCON's position and support for religious rights in Bangladesh <a href="https://t.co/dtP6Qu0NoR">pic.twitter.com/dtP6Qu0NoR</a></p>
— ISKCON (@iskcon) <a href="https://twitter.com/iskcon/status/1862192386975138204?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Many of our press statements and interviews have made this fully clear. We have only clarified, something that was already said by us in the past many months, regarding him not officially representing ISKCON in Bangladesh,” the organisation added.</p>

<p>Another official ISKCON account posted a message of solidarity, stating, “ISKCON, Inc. stands with Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das. Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of all these devotees.”</p>

<h2><strong>'Not the spokesperson of ISKCON Bangladesh'</strong></h2>

<p>Previously, ISKCON had said that Das’s views were his own and did not reflect the organisation’s position. “Chinmoy Krishna Das is not the spokesperson of Iskcon Bangladesh and thus his remarks are solely personal,” said Charu Chandra Das, general secretary of ISKCON Bangladesh, in a statement on Thursday.</p>

<p>ISKCON Bangladesh also addressed allegations that it was linked to protests following Das’s arrest, during which a lawyer was killed. The organisation denied these claims, calling them a part of a smear campaign.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-israel-protesters-disrupt-macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-in-new-york-25-arrested-780074">Anti-Israel protesters disrupt Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, 25 arrested</a></strong></p>

<p>“A series of false, fabricated, and malicious campaigns is being spearheaded targeting ISKCON Bangladesh, particularly in connection with recent events. These efforts are aimed at discrediting our organisation and creating societal unrest,” said Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari, general secretary of ISKCON Bangladesh.</p>

<h2><strong>What led to Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das's arrest in Bangladesh?</strong></h2>

<p>Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested after allegations of disrespecting the national flag during a rally in Chittagong, which was held to protest against the mistreatment of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. He was denied bail and sent to jail, sparking protests. The situation escalated after assistant public prosecutor Saiful Islam died during clashes between demonstrators and security forces.</p>

<h2><strong>Bangladesh High Court rejects plea seeking to ban ISKCON</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the Bangladesh High Court rejected a petition seeking to ban ISKCON’s activities in the country. “The two-member High Court bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debashish Roy Chowdhury declined to ban ISKCON activities in Bangladesh,” a spokesperson from the attorney general’s office said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) on Friday (Nov 29) expressed its support for Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu, following reports suggesting the organisation had distanced itself from him after his arrest in Bangladesh on sedition charges.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) on Friday (Nov 29) expressed its support for Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu, following reports suggesting the organisation had distanced itself from him after his arrest in Bangladesh on sedition charges. 'ISKCON does not distance itself from supporting Chinmoy Krishna Das' “Iskcon has not and does not distance itself from supporting Chinmoy Krishna Das's rights and freedom for peacefully calling for protecting Hindus and their places of worship. We also support, along with all other sanatani groups, protection and safety of Hindus, and re-establishing an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence with minorities in Bangladesh,” the organisation said. Clarifying ISKCON's position and support for religious rights in Bangladesh pic.twitter.com/dtP6Qu0NoR — ISKCON (@iskcon) November 28, 2024 × "Many of our press statements and interviews have made this fully clear. We have only clarified, something that was already said by us in the past many months, regarding him not officially representing ISKCON in Bangladesh,” the organisation added. Another official ISKCON account posted a message of solidarity, stating, “ISKCON, Inc. stands with Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das. Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of all these devotees.” 'Not the spokesperson of ISKCON Bangladesh' Previously, ISKCON had said that Das’s views were his own and did not reflect the organisation’s position. “Chinmoy Krishna Das is not the spokesperson of Iskcon Bangladesh and thus his remarks are solely personal,” said Charu Chandra Das, general secretary of ISKCON Bangladesh, in a statement on Thursday. ISKCON Bangladesh also addressed allegations that it was linked to protests following Das’s arrest, during which a lawyer was killed. The organisation denied these claims, calling them a part of a smear campaign. Also read: Anti-Israel protesters disrupt Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, 25 arrested “A series of false, fabricated, and malicious campaigns is being spearheaded targeting ISKCON Bangladesh, particularly in connection with recent events. These efforts are aimed at discrediting our organisation and creating societal unrest,” said Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari, general secretary of ISKCON Bangladesh. What led to Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das's arrest in Bangladesh? Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested after allegations of disrespecting the national flag during a rally in Chittagong, which was held to protest against the mistreatment of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. He was denied bail and sent to jail, sparking protests. The situation escalated after assistant public prosecutor Saiful Islam died during clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Bangladesh High Court rejects plea seeking to ban ISKCON Meanwhile, the Bangladesh High Court rejected a petition seeking to ban ISKCON’s activities in the country. “The two-member High Court bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debashish Roy Chowdhury declined to ban ISKCON activities in Bangladesh,” a spokesperson from the attorney general’s office said. (With inputs from agencies)

ISKCON clarifies stance on Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das' arrest in Bangladesh: 'Not distancing...'

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<p>The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) on Thursday (Nov. 28) expressed solidarity with Chinmoy Krishna Das on a social media post. This comes two days after ISKCON Bangladesh distanced itself from Das, stating that he was expelled and not authorised to speak on behalf of the organisation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ISKCON took to X, and stated, "Iskcon,Inc. stands with Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das. Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of all these devotees."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Iskcon,Inc. stands with Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das. Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of all these devotees.</p>
— Iskcon,Inc. (@IskconInc) <a href="https://twitter.com/IskconInc/status/1862133717776679209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>ISKCON Bangladesh distanced itself from Chinmoy Krishna Das, stating that the expelled member was not authorised to speak on behalf of the organisation. “Chinmoy Krishna Das is not the spokesperson of Iskcon Bangladesh and thus his remarks are solely personal,” Charu Chandra Das, the general secretary of ISKCON Bangladesh, told reporters on Thursday.</p>

<p>In an official statement issued on November 26, ISKCON Bangladesh clarified that Chinmoy Krishna Das was not a member of the organisation. Instead, he was identified as the spokesperson of the "Bangladesh Sanmilito Sanatani Jagoron Jot."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Dhaka High Court on Thursday (Nov. 28) declined to issue a suo motu order to prohibit ISKCON’s activities in Bangladesh, stating that the government had already taken necessary steps, according to The Daily Star.</p>

<p>The bench, comprising Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury, delivered the ruling after reviewing the matter.</p>

<p>The case was heard after a petition was filed in the High Court following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a priest linked to ISKCON. The petition described ISKCON as a “radical organisation” allegedly involved in provoking communal unrest.</p>

<p>It also accused the group of being connected to the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif during protests after the priest’s arrest. The petition claimed the group showed “blatant disregard for law and order.”</p>

<p>The petition further alleged that ISKCON was forcibly recruiting members to impose its beliefs on traditional Hindu communities, taking over Sanatan temples, evicting Sanatan community members, and even targeting mosques.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despicable-escalation-russian-strikes-on-ukrainian-power-grid-knock-out-power-for-1-million-779894" target="_blank">'Despicable escalation,' Russian strikes knock out power for 1mn Ukrainians</a></strong></p>

<p>Supreme Court lawyer Md Monir Uddin had submitted newspaper reports on ISKCON’s activities and requested the court to impose a ban on the organisation and enforce Section 144 in Chattogram, Rangpur, and Dinajpur.</p>

<p>In response, the High Court asked the Attorney General to present a government report on the matter by Thursday morning. On the same day, the Attorney General’s office informed the court that three cases had been filed in connection with the murder of Saiful Islam Alif and ISKCON’s alleged activities. Authorities have arrested 33 individuals in relation to these cases.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) on Thursday (Nov. 28) expressed solidarity with Chinmoy Krishna Das on a social media post. This comes two days after ISKCON Bangladesh distanced itself from Das, stating that he was expelled and not authorised to speak on behalf of the organisation.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) on Thursday (Nov. 28) expressed solidarity with Chinmoy Krishna Das on a social media post. This comes two days after ISKCON Bangladesh distanced itself from Das, stating that he was expelled and not authorised to speak on behalf of the organisation. The ISKCON took to X, and stated, "Iskcon,Inc. stands with Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das. Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of all these devotees." Iskcon,Inc. stands with Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das. Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of all these devotees. — Iskcon,Inc. (@IskconInc) November 28, 2024 × ISKCON Bangladesh distanced itself from Chinmoy Krishna Das, stating that the expelled member was not authorised to speak on behalf of the organisation. “Chinmoy Krishna Das is not the spokesperson of Iskcon Bangladesh and thus his remarks are solely personal,” Charu Chandra Das, the general secretary of ISKCON Bangladesh, told reporters on Thursday. In an official statement issued on November 26, ISKCON Bangladesh clarified that Chinmoy Krishna Das was not a member of the organisation. Instead, he was identified as the spokesperson of the "Bangladesh Sanmilito Sanatani Jagoron Jot." Meanwhile, the Dhaka High Court on Thursday (Nov. 28) declined to issue a suo motu order to prohibit ISKCON’s activities in Bangladesh, stating that the government had already taken necessary steps, according to The Daily Star. The bench, comprising Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury, delivered the ruling after reviewing the matter. The case was heard after a petition was filed in the High Court following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a priest linked to ISKCON. The petition described ISKCON as a “radical organisation” allegedly involved in provoking communal unrest. It also accused the group of being connected to the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif during protests after the priest’s arrest. The petition claimed the group showed “blatant disregard for law and order.” The petition further alleged that ISKCON was forcibly recruiting members to impose its beliefs on traditional Hindu communities, taking over Sanatan temples, evicting Sanatan community members, and even targeting mosques. Also read: 'Despicable escalation,' Russian strikes knock out power for 1mn Ukrainians Supreme Court lawyer Md Monir Uddin had submitted newspaper reports on ISKCON’s activities and requested the court to impose a ban on the organisation and enforce Section 144 in Chattogram, Rangpur, and Dinajpur. In response, the High Court asked the Attorney General to present a government report on the matter by Thursday morning. On the same day, the Attorney General’s office informed the court that three cases had been filed in connection with the murder of Saiful Islam Alif and ISKCON’s alleged activities. Authorities have arrested 33 individuals in relation to these cases. (With inputs from agencies)

ISKCON says 'stand with Chinmoy Das' after Dhaka chapter distances itself from Hindu monk

<p>The arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das has triggered a violent protest in Bangladesh, and now people from across the globe are speaking up against the attacks taking place against Hindus and other minorities in the country.</p>

<p>After the Hindu monk's arrest, American singer Mary Millben has spoken out, asking world leaders to intervene.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking to her X handle, Millben wrote that religious freedom should be preserved.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She wrote, ''The imprisonment of Chinmoy Krishna Das and the continued attacks against Hindus and other minorities by extremists in Bangladesh must be addressed now by world leaders. We must preserve religious freedom&nbsp;and the safety of all people of faith globally. #ReleaseChinmoyKrishnaDas.''</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The imprisonment of Chinmoy Krishna Das and the continued attacks against Hindus and other minorities by extremist in Bangladesh must be addressed now by world leaders. We must preserve religious freedom, and the safety of all people of faith globally. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ReleaseChinmoyKrishnaDas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ReleaseChinmoyKrishnaDas</a> <a href="https://t.co/0zvk6i1Sti">pic.twitter.com/0zvk6i1Sti</a></p>
— Mary Millben (@MaryMillben) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaryMillben/status/1861807662809206798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Millben's post has garnered a wide variety of reactions from netizens, with many hailing her for speaking up for the country's Hindus and other minorities.</p>

<p>One user wrote, ''Thank you ma'am for speaking up about this ! Hindus are facing state sponsored pogrom in Bangladesh and people who are in power are silent ! Please urge international media and every one to support them and expose the radicals ! ISKON has millions of followers and they only teach love and peace ! 🙏''</p>

<p>Another wrote, ''Thank u for raising the voice for the minorities of Bangladesh.''</p>


The arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das has triggered a violent protest in Bangladesh, and now people from across the globe are speaking up against the attacks taking place against Hindus and other minorities in the country.

The arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das has triggered a violent protest in Bangladesh, and now people from across the globe are speaking up against the attacks taking place against Hindus and other minorities in the country. After the Hindu monk's arrest, American singer Mary Millben has spoken out, asking world leaders to intervene. Taking to her X handle, Millben wrote that religious freedom should be preserved. She wrote, ''The imprisonment of Chinmoy Krishna Das and the continued attacks against Hindus and other minorities by extremists in Bangladesh must be addressed now by world leaders. We must preserve religious freedom and the safety of all people of faith globally. #ReleaseChinmoyKrishnaDas.'' The imprisonment of Chinmoy Krishna Das and the continued attacks against Hindus and other minorities by extremist in Bangladesh must be addressed now by world leaders. We must preserve religious freedom, and the safety of all people of faith globally. #ReleaseChinmoyKrishnaDas pic.twitter.com/0zvk6i1Sti — Mary Millben (@MaryMillben) November 27, 2024 × Millben's post has garnered a wide variety of reactions from netizens, with many hailing her for speaking up for the country's Hindus and other minorities. One user wrote, ''Thank you ma'am for speaking up about this ! Hindus are facing state sponsored pogrom in Bangladesh and people who are in power are silent ! Please urge international media and every one to support them and expose the radicals ! ISKON has millions of followers and they only teach love and peace ! 🙏'' Another wrote, ''Thank u for raising the voice for the minorities of Bangladesh.''

American singer condemns Chinmoy Das arrest says, 'We must preserve religious freedom'

<p>ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, who has been based in Bangladesh and has been a key advocate for Hindu minorities, was detained at Dhaka airport, as per media reports.</p>

<p>Earlier in December, a sedition case was filed by the Bangladeshi authorities against Brahmachari.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-will-seek-extradition-of-sheikh-hasina-from-india-says-muhammad-yunus-776901">Bangladesh will seek extradition of Sheikh Hasina from India, says Muhammad Yunus</a></p>

<p>According to reports, the authorities stopped Brahmachari from leaving the country on Monday (Nov. 25) after which he was taken to a police station.</p>

<p>The authorities have not made any official confirmation of his arrest till now.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari?</strong></h2>

<p>Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari is one of the founders of the discussed Hindu organisation ISKCON and a key advocate for the Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He is the spokesperson of Sanatan Jagoran Mancha, Bangladesh Sanatan Jagoran Mancha and Principal of Pundarik Dham.</p>

<p>He has been vocal about the violence against religious minorities, including Hindus, in Bangladesh.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Bangladesh: Sufi Festival Promoting 'Tolerance' Cancelled Amid Islamist Threats</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-sufi-festival-promoting-tolerance-cancelled-amid-islamist-threats-world-news-wion-779090/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The country has been witnessing violence against religious minorities since the dethroning of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The interim government of Mohammed Yunus has been criticised for failing to stop the violence against minorities. Since Brahmachari was one of the key voices of Hindus in Bangladesh, his detention is being seen by many as an attempt to silence the voices&nbsp;that are questioning the actions of the Yunus regime.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking at a rally last month, the ISKCON leader said, “If anyone wants to evict us from this country and live in peace, it will become Afghanistan or Syria. There will be no democratic force. Bangladesh will become a sanctuary of communalism.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hindu leader and ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari is reported arrested in Dhaka by Yunus Regime Police.<br />
Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was charged with sedition after he led a massive rally of Hindus protesting targeted hate attacks and demanding protection from…</p>
— Kanchan Gupta 🇮🇳 (@KanchanGupta) <a href="https://twitter.com/KanchanGupta/status/1861013992157913286?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Confirming his arrest, Kanchan Gupta, a senior advisor at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, wrote on X, “Hindu leader and ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari is reported arrested in Dhaka by Yunus Regime Police. Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was charged with sedition after he led a massive rally of Hindus protesting targeted hate attacks and protection from Islamists. Tallest leader of the Hindu community is believed to have been taken to Detective Branch of Yunus Regime.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, who has been based in Bangladesh and has been a key advocate for Hindu minorities, was detained at Dhaka airport, as per media reports.

ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, who has been based in Bangladesh and has been a key advocate for Hindu minorities, was detained at Dhaka airport, as per media reports. Earlier in December, a sedition case was filed by the Bangladeshi authorities against Brahmachari. Also Read: Bangladesh will seek extradition of Sheikh Hasina from India, says Muhammad Yunus According to reports, the authorities stopped Brahmachari from leaving the country on Monday (Nov. 25) after which he was taken to a police station. The authorities have not made any official confirmation of his arrest till now. Who is Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari? Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari is one of the founders of the discussed Hindu organisation ISKCON and a key advocate for the Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. He is the spokesperson of Sanatan Jagoran Mancha, Bangladesh Sanatan Jagoran Mancha and Principal of Pundarik Dham. He has been vocal about the violence against religious minorities, including Hindus, in Bangladesh. Watch: Bangladesh: Sufi Festival Promoting 'Tolerance' Cancelled Amid Islamist Threats The country has been witnessing violence against religious minorities since the dethroning of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The interim government of Mohammed Yunus has been criticised for failing to stop the violence against minorities. Since Brahmachari was one of the key voices of Hindus in Bangladesh, his detention is being seen by many as an attempt to silence the voices that are questioning the actions of the Yunus regime. Speaking at a rally last month, the ISKCON leader said, “If anyone wants to evict us from this country and live in peace, it will become Afghanistan or Syria. There will be no democratic force. Bangladesh will become a sanctuary of communalism.” Hindu leader and ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari is reported arrested in Dhaka by Yunus Regime Police. Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was charged with sedition after he led a massive rally of Hindus protesting targeted hate attacks and demanding protection from… — Kanchan Gupta 🇮🇳 (@KanchanGupta) November 25, 2024 × Confirming his arrest, Kanchan Gupta, a senior advisor at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, wrote on X, “Hindu leader and ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari is reported arrested in Dhaka by Yunus Regime Police. Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was charged with sedition after he led a massive rally of Hindus protesting targeted hate attacks and protection from Islamists. Tallest leader of the Hindu community is believed to have been taken to Detective Branch of Yunus Regime.” (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh police detain ISKCON leader Krishna Das at Dhaka airport: Report