Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent ISKCON leader and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote, was arrested at Dhaka’s main airport on sedition charges after a controversial incident in Chittagong on October 25. The incident involved a religious flag being hoisted above Bangladesh’s national flag. Authorities claim this act was a “desecration” and part of an attempt to destabilize the country. Krishna Das, known for his advocacy for Hindu minority rights, leads the Sanatan Jagaran Mancha, which has put forward 8 key demands to improve the security and welfare of minorities in Bangladesh.
1. Chinmoy Krishna Das’s Arrest
Chinmoy Krishna Das, often known simply as Chinmoy Krishna, was arrested while traveling to Chattogram. He is a respected leader within ISKCON and has been active in Hindu rights advocacy in Bangladesh. He faces charges of sedition following a protest where an ISKCON flag was allegedly raised above the Bangladeshi national flag.
2. Background and Influence
Krishna Das, originally from Satkania Upazila in Chittagong, has been a prominent religious figure for many years. He was affectionately called ‘Shishu Bokta’ for his early popularity as a preacher. From 2016 to 2022, he served as the Chittagong Divisional Secretary of ISKCON. Since 2007, he has been the Principal at Pundarik Dham in Hathazari.
3. The Flag Incident
The incident that led to Krishna Das’s arrest took place on October 25 at New Market in Chittagong. Reports state that an ISKCON flag was raised above the national flag during a protest. A case was filed by Md Feroze Khan, accusing Krishna Das and others of attempting to destabilize the country.
4. Political Fallout
The incident has sparked a heated debate. Critics argue it was politically motivated, aimed at inciting division. Md Feroze Khan, who filed the case, faced consequences of his own. He was suspended from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and placed in police protection after the incident gained widespread attention.
5. Controversy Over Sovereignty
The flag incident became part of a larger rally at Laldighi Maidan, where the ISKCON flag was controversially placed above the Bangladesh national flag. The act was widely seen as an attack on the country’s sovereignty, and some have even described it as an attempt to promote treason and unrest. The image of the flags went viral, causing public outrage before they were removed.
6. ISKCON and Internal Conflicts
Although Krishna Das has long been associated with ISKCON, some media reports indicate he was suspended three months ago. However, ISKCON members suggest the allegations against him may be tied to internal disputes. Although Krishna Das is still said to lead a key ISKCON institution in Chittagong.
7. The Sanatan Jagaran Mancha’s Role
In August, a movement called Sanatan Jagaran Mancha was formed in response to rising tensions and violence against Hindus. Krishna Das became the spokesperson for this platform, which was created to address attacks on Hindu homes and temples. The group advocates for the rights and safety of Hindus in Bangladesh.
8. The 8 Demands for Minority Protection
The Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote, led by Krishna Das, has put forward 8 key demands to protect Bangladesh’s Hindu minority. These demands include:
- Creation of a special tribunal to fast-track trials for crimes against minorities.
- Compensation and rehabilitation for victims of violence.
- Immediate passage of laws to protect minority communities.
- Formation of a dedicated ministry for minority affairs.
- Prayer facilities in schools and colleges.
- Formal recognition of Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian welfare trusts as official organizations.
