Bangladesh’s interim government has described the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) as a “religious fundamentalist” group in an affidavit filed with the country’s High Court. The statement follows the controversial arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari on Monday, sparking nationwide protests.

Hindus, comprising around 8% of Bangladesh’s population of 170 million, have voiced growing concerns about violence against their community. Protests erupted in Rangpur, 300 km north of Dhaka, with demonstrators demanding stricter laws to protect minorities and the creation of a minority affairs ministry.

Chinmoy Brahmachari’s arrest has fueled unrest, with reports of a Hindu temple being vandalized in Chattogram. ISKCON's Bangladesh chapter condemned the arrest and ongoing attacks on Hindu community members. ISKCON spokesperson Radharamn Das highlighted the issue on X, sharing videos of the violence and questioning when it would stop.

The Attorney General of Bangladesh, Mohd. Asaduzzaman, referred to ISKCON as a “religious fundamentalist organization” during a High Court proceeding, adding that the group was under government scrutiny. The interim administration, led by Nobel laureate Mohammed Yunus, has faced criticism for failing to protect minorities, with Hindu-owned properties frequently targeted in recent months.

New Delhi has expressed strong reservations over the arrest and rising violence against Hindus, urging Dhaka to ensure minority safety. However, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry dismissed India’s remarks as interference in its internal affairs.

In response, the Yunus-led government reiterated its commitment to protecting religious freedoms, asserting that every Bangladeshi has the right to practice and express their faith without hindrance. Law enforcement agencies remain on high alert as protests by Brahmachari’s supporters continue, adding to the growing political tensions between India and Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s interim government has described the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) as a “religious fundamentalist” group in an affidavit filed with the country’s High Court. The statement follows the controversial arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari on Monday, sparking nationwide protests.

Hindus, comprising around 8% of Bangladesh’s population of 170 million, have voiced growing concerns about violence against their community. Protests erupted in Rangpur, 300 km north of Dhaka, with demonstrators demanding stricter laws to protect minorities and the creation of a minority affairs ministry.

Chinmoy Brahmachari’s arrest has fueled unrest, with reports of a Hindu temple being vandalized in Chattogram. ISKCON's Bangladesh chapter condemned the arrest and ongoing attacks on Hindu community members. ISKCON spokesperson Radharamn Das highlighted the issue on X, sharing videos of the violence and questioning when it would stop.

The Attorney General of Bangladesh, Mohd. Asaduzzaman, referred to ISKCON as a “religious fundamentalist organization” during a High Court proceeding, adding that the group was under government scrutiny. The interim administration, led by Nobel laureate Mohammed Yunus, has faced criticism for failing to protect minorities, with Hindu-owned properties frequently targeted in recent months.

New Delhi has expressed strong reservations over the arrest and rising violence against Hindus, urging Dhaka to ensure minority safety. However, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry dismissed India’s remarks as interference in its internal affairs.

In response, the Yunus-led government reiterated its commitment to protecting religious freedoms, asserting that every Bangladeshi has the right to practice and express their faith without hindrance. Law enforcement agencies remain on high alert as protests by Brahmachari’s supporters continue, adding to the growing political tensions between India and Bangladesh.