Islamist groups in Bangladesh have escalated threats against Hindu minorities, specifically targeting followers of the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness). The situation has deteriorated significantly, with radicals taking to the streets, raising slogans against India, Hindus, and ISKCON. Demonstrators have reportedly shouted “Pakistan Zindabad” and chanted calls to “burn down ISKCON temples,” a troubling development as these temples have historically provided aid, including during floods.
“একটা একটা ইসকন ধর ধইরা ধইরা জবাই কর।”
“Catch and kill each and every ISKCON devotee”
When will Bangladesh wake up from this nightmare? pic.twitter.com/EA6WzRkOIq— Deep Halder (@deepscribble) November 8, 2024
ISKCON Vice President voices deep concerns
International Society for Krishna Consciousness Vice President and spokesperson Radharamn Das voiced deep concerns on social media, revealing that threats to capture, torture, and kill International Society for Krishna Consciousness devotees are circulating openly. “This horrific plan to behead ISKCON monks and devotees is openly circulating, and we fear for their safety. Immediate intervention is critical to prevent these violent actions,” Das stated in his post on X (formerly Twitter).
Ban on ISKCON
Author and social activist Taslima Nasreen also condemned the situation, calling attention to the extremist group Hefazat-e-Islam’s role in heightening tensions. She revealed that Hefazat-e-Islam, a conservative Islamic advocacy group based in Chittagong, has called for a ban on ISKCON. “Today, their slogan was: ‘Catch one International Society for Krishna Consciousness, then slaughter.’ Hefazat-e-Islam has called for terrorism. They want to kill International Society for Krishna Consciousness members,” Nasreen remarked on X.
Bangladesh Hindu community
Expressing her dismay, Nasreen questioned the logic behind calls for a ban on ISKCON, a globally recognized Gaudiya Vaishnava Hindu organization that has peacefully promoted religious practices worldwide. “Is ISKCON a terrorist organization that it should be banned?” she asked. “In Bangladesh, there is a large number of Islamists and jihadists who cannot tolerate people of other religions,” she added.
Since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in August, there has been a marked increase in violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. The Hindu community, fearful for its safety, has faced intensified persecution following this political upheaval, raising concerns about the country’s direction under rising Islamist influence.
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