In a surprising turn of events, more than 63 monks associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) were prevented from entering India over the weekend by Bangladeshi authorities, despite possessing valid visas. The incident occurred at the Benapole land port, Bangladesh’s largest border crossing with India, raising concerns about the treatment of religious minorities and clerics in the region.
According to a statement made by Radharamn Das, Vice-President of ISKCON Kolkata, the monks, known as Brahmacharis, were denied entry by Bangladeshi border officials who claimed that India was not a safe destination for them. Das shared this information while speaking to The Indian Express on Sunday. He said, “We got news that 63 or even more brahmacharis came to the Benapole border on the Bangladesh side on Saturday and Sunday. They all had valid visas and wanted to enter India. However, Bangladesh authorities told them that India was not safe for them and didn’t allow them to enter India.”
The ISKCON official emphasized his confusion and concern over the situation, stating, “Why is this? People with valid visas are being allowed to enter India from Bangladesh and vice versa. After continuing atrocities on minorities and our monks and brahmacharis, they are all scared and are in panic. Some of them had visas and wanted to come to India. We are praying for all.” The incident has raised eyebrows, particularly as it follows a string of distressing incidents involving Hindu religious leaders and minorities in Bangladesh. Das expressed his organization’s deep concerns, adding, “We are also praying for Chinmoy Krishna Das who will be produced in a court once again today.”
The situation coincides with the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent leader of the Sammilito Sanatani Jagaron Jot, who was apprehended by Bangladeshi authorities on November 25 on charges of sedition. He was subsequently denied bail by a court in Chittagong and remains in custody. The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das has sparked a wave of criticism from Hindu communities in both Bangladesh and India, who view the charges as part of a broader campaign of intimidation against minorities in the country.
Bangladesh’s government, however, has refuted these claims, stating that the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das has been “misconstrued” and that the charges against him are based on specific violations of law. The authorities maintain that there is no systemic attack on minorities and that the legal proceedings are not influenced by religious bias. Despite these assurances, the case has stoked fears among Hindu communities, particularly in light of other recent incidents involving religious minorities.
Das also took to social media to bring attention to the blocking of ISKCON monks at the border. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said, “They had all valid Indian Visa and other documents. But Bangladeshi Border Police said that Bangladeshi Intelligence has told them not to allow them to enter India. Already 4 of our Brahmacharis they have arrested & now not allowing other Brahmacharis to travel to India. Please pray.”
According to ISKCON officials, 54 monks reached Benapole on Saturday, while nine more arrived on Sunday. The monks were part of a larger group looking to visit various ISKCON temples and religious gatherings in India. The Bangladeshi authorities’ actions have led to widespread criticism from various Hindu organizations, which have accused the government of violating the monks’ religious freedom and rights. The ISKCON spokesperson highlighted the palpable fear and anxiety among the monks and other Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, who have been dealing with what they perceive as increasing hostility and persecution.
This isn’t the first instance of religious leaders being targeted in Bangladesh. In recent months, there have been several reported incidents of attacks on Hindu minorities and their religious institutions. The alleged blocking of the monks only adds to the growing list of grievances. In response, ISKCON and other Hindu groups have been holding rallies to protest the situation and seek justice for those affected.
Meanwhile, on Friday, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed its concern over the developments in Bangladesh. A spokesperson for the MEA stated that India has conveyed its apprehensions regarding the safety of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and has urged the neighboring country to ensure a “fair and transparent trial” for Chinmoy Krishna Das. The MEA’s statement highlighted India’s unease over the treatment of Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh, urging swift and just actions.
It’s also worth noting that ISKCON has clarified that Chinmoy Krishna Das does not officially represent their organization in Bangladesh. According to ISKCON, Das had been expelled in September for allegedly violating organizational rules, and his recent arrest is not directly tied to ISKCON activities.
The Bangladeshi government has yet to issue an official response regarding the allegations made by ISKCON concerning the blocking of monks at the Benapole border. The silence from the authorities has done little to alleviate the fears of the Hindu community, and the situation remains tense as Chinmoy Krishna Das is set to be produced in court once again on Monday. Many will be watching closely to see how the legal proceedings unfold and whether the concerns of the Hindu community in Bangladesh are addressed effectively.
For now, ISKCON and other Hindu organizations continue to pray and advocate for the safety of their members, while anxiously awaiting further developments in what has become a distressing saga for the community.