Indian daily Anandabazar Patrika published a report on Friday claiming that ISKCON Bangladesh issued a statement in support of Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was recently arrested in Bangladesh. 

However, ISKCON Bangladesh has refuted the report published on the Indian media.

In an official statement issued on Friday (Nov 29), ISKCON Bangladesh clarified that it had not issued any statement in support of Chinmoy Krishna Das. The organization labeled the claim as false and emphasized its commitment to maintaining peace, law, and order in the country.

The Anandabazar report claimed that ISKCON supported Chinmoy Krishna’s efforts to protect the rights of Hindus and their religious places in Bangladesh, while also stating that Chinmoy Krishna is not a member of ISKCON or its representative. This statement, attributed to ISKCON Bangladesh, was shared widely by Indian media outlets.

However, ISKCON Bangladesh General Secretary Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari denied the report and stated, "We have noticed a fabricated statement regarding ISKCON circulating on social media and in several media outlets, including Anandabazar. ISKCON Bangladesh strongly denies issuing any such statement. We urge everyone to refrain from sharing unverified information."

The organization reiterated that it remains committed to upholding national peace and stability and does not engage in activities that undermine public order. ISKCON also urged media outlets to verify facts before publishing reports.

Previously, ISKCON Bangladesh had permanently expelled Chinmoy Krishna Das for violating organizational discipline. On October 3, an official statement clarified that Chinmoy Krishna Das (Chandan Kumar Dhar) was not an ISKCON spokesperson and that his actions and remarks were entirely personal. ISKCON stated that it bore no responsibility for his behavior.

Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on November 25 under sedition charges. A court in Chattogram denied his bail and sent him to prison the next day. His arrest sparked protests and clashes in Chattogram, where at least 20 people were injured, and a lawyer was tragically killed. Law enforcement used tear gas, sound grenades, and baton charges to bring the situation under control.

ISKCON Bangladesh’s statement comes amidst widespread attention and controversy surrounding the case. The organization maintains that it has no connection to Chinmoy Krishna Das or his actions.

BDST: 2155 HRS, NOV 29, 2024
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