Dhaka [Bangladesh], November 27 : Amid escalating concerns over the condition of minorities in Bangladesh, a new petition has demanded a ban on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in the country.
The legal notice accuses the group of being a "radical organisation" that engages in activities threatening national security and provoke communal unrest, the Dhaka Tribune reported.
This comes amid the row over the arrest of former priest of ISKCON Bangladesh, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, over sedition charges, which led to protests and unrest in Bangladesh.
The petition, submitted by Supreme Court lawyer Al Mamun Russell on behalf of 10 other legal professionals, demands the prosecution of individuals responsible for the alleged murder of government legal officer Advocate Saiful Islam.
The notice was addressed to Bangladesh's Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Law and Justice, and the Inspector General of Police on Wednesday.
According to the Dhaka Tribune report, the notice accuses ISKCON of operating in Bangladesh as a "radical organisation," allegedly inciting sectarian violence and promoting religious intolerance.
The petition also blames ISKCON over the alleged murder of a lawyer during protests after Chinmoy Krishna Das' arrest, caling it to the organisation's "blatant disregard for law and order."
It alleges that the group has been forcibly recruiting members to impose its beliefs on traditional Hindu communities. It has also accused ISKCON of allegedly taking over Sanatan temples, evicting members of the Sanatan community, and even engaging in attacks on mosques
The legal notice also cites several violent incidents, attributing it to ISKCON supporters. It also mentions allegations of firearms being discovered in an ISKCON temple in Sylhet in 2016 and attacks on police vehicles during ISKCON processions in Gopalganj.
The petition claims that ISKCON's actions have "destabilised" the country and caused harm to Bangladesh's social and political fabric, Dhaka Tribune reported.
Meanwhile, reacting to this legal notice, Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance General Secretary Mrityunjay Kumar Roy strongly defended ISKCON, describing it as a peaceful organisation.
Roy criticised the petitioners, stating, "We strongly oppose this statement of those who are saying that ISKCON should be banned. What did ISKCON do? ISKCON is the international consciousness of Sri Krishna...it is a peaceful organisation which talks about Shri Krishna and works for the welfare of the poor."
His comments were made in light of the growing tension surrounding the arrest of former ISKCON Bangladesh priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari on sedition charges. The arrest sparked protests and unrest in the country, further fueling the debate over the organisation's role in Bangladesh.
Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was arrested on charges of sedition for allegedly raising a flag on a stand displaying Bangladesh's national flag. He was presented before a Chittagong court on Tuesday. The court denied his bail plea and sent him to custody. Das
The arrest has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for his immediate release.
Notably, ISKCON Bangladesh issued a statement on Tuesday denouncing the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das and calling upon the government authorities to promote peaceful coexistence.
Earlier in the day, the Indian National Congress expressed "deep concern" over the "atmosphere of insecurity" faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh, citing the recent arrest of religious leader and spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote, Chinmoy Krishna Das.
In a statement, Congress leader Pawan Khera called on the central government to take action and urged the Indian government to press the Bangladesh government to take necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of minorities in the country.
"The Indian National Congress expresses its deep concern at the atmosphere of insecurity being faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh. The arrest of the ISCKON monk is the latest example. The Indian National Congress expects government of India to prevail upon the Bangladesh government to take necessary steps and ensure security of life and property of minorities in the country," the AICC Chairman of Media and Publicity said.
The Ministry of External Affairs also expressed "deep concern" on Chinmoy Krishna Das' bail and called on the Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety and security of Hindus.
"We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote," the statement issued on Tuesday read.
"This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities' homes and business establishments, as well as theft and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples," the statement added.
Earlier, the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry, in an official statement, said that the interim government is firm to uphold 'religious harmony' in the country, irrespective of religious affiliation.
"Bangladesh's government is firm to uphold religious harmony in Bangladesh, irrespective of religious affiliation, and uphold the rule of law for every Bangladeshi, without distinction, under the laws of the land," the statement read.