Bangladesh: Another Hindu priest allegedly arrested, Iskcon centre vandalised

Tensions continue to escalate in Bangladesh as another Hindu priest, Shyam Das, was arrested, and an Iskcon centre in Bhairab was vandalised, according to Radharaman Das, spokesperson for Iskcon Kolkata. The incidents come amid rising concerns over targeted attacks on the minority Hindu community.

Also Read: Amid calls for ban, Bangla govt informs court that ISKCON is a fundamentalist organisation

The arrest of Shyam Das reportedly occurred when he attempted to meet Chinmoy Krishna Das, another Iskcon monk arrested earlier this week on sedition charges. Expressing outrage, Radharaman Das tweeted, "Does he look like a terrorist? The arrest of innocent Iskcon brahmacharis is deeply shocking and disturbing," using the hashtag "FreeISKCONMonks Bangladesh." He also shared a video of the vandalised Iskcon centre with the caption, "No respite in sight." 

Does he look like a terrorist?#FreeISKCONMonks Bangladesh. The arrest of innocent #ISKCON brahmacharis are deeply shocking & disturbing. pic.twitter.com/VG6u7jlnXB

— Radharamn Das राधारमण दास (@RadharamnDas)

Does he look like a terrorist?#FreeISKCONMonks Bangladesh. The arrest of innocent #ISKCON brahmacharis are deeply shocking & disturbing. pic.twitter.com/VG6u7jlnXB

— Radharamn Das राधारमण दास (@RadharamnDas) November 30, 2024

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These developments are part of a larger wave of crackdowns on the Hindu community following the political upheaval caused by the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government in August. Reports suggest that over 200 temples have been attacked, and authorities have frozen the bank accounts of 17 Iskcon-affiliated individuals, including Chinmoy Das.

Adding to the controversy, a petition in the High Court sought a ban on Iskcon, with the attorney general labeling the organisation a "religious fundamentalist group." However, the court refused to impose a ban.

The incidents have sparked protests by Hindus across Bangladesh, with calls for justice and protection of minority rights growing louder.