Iskcon clarifies on Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das’s arrest, says it has not distanced from backing him

The Hindu spiritual organisation Iskcon has dismissed the claims that it has distanced itself from Chinmoy Krishna Das, the Hindu monk who was arrested and jailed by the Bangladesh government. Iskcon affirmed its support for Das and called for the protection of the rights of Hindus in the country.

“Iskon 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,” the organisation said in a statement.

This message of solidarity comes after Bangladeshi media reported that Iskcon denied involvement in Das’s activities. Das was arrested on November 25 on sedition charges by the Muhammad Younus government. Chinmoy had been expelled from Iskcon in October this year.

“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 statement emphasised.

It further clarified that in its press statements and interviews, it had only reiterated what had been previously stated in recent months regarding Das not officially representing Iskcon in Bangladesh.

Another official Twitter handle also posted a message of support for Das, stating, “Iskcon,Inc. stands with Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das. Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of all these devotees.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, Iskcon Bangladesh refuted allegations linking the organisation to a violent protest that erupted following Das’s arrest, which led to the killing of a lawyer. It stated that such claims were baseless and part of a malicious campaign.

“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,” general secretary of the organisation Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari said.

Chinmoy Das’s arrest followed allegations that he disrespected the national flag during a rally in Chittagong, which was organised to protest the alleged persecution of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. He was denied bail and has been sent to jail.

Amid these developments, a call for banning Iskcon was raised, and the Bangladesh government labelled the outfit as a fundamentalist organisation. However, a High Court in Bangladesh on Thursday refused to ban Iskcon, stating that the current situation does not warrant such a step by the judiciary.

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