Fresh tension in Bangladesh as far-right group threatens ISKCON
Communal tensions are flaring up in Bangladesh after an Islamist group based in Chittagong called for a ban on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The group was reportedly heard chanting violent slogans during a rally in Chattogram. Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen highlighted these threats on social media, stating that the group was chanting "Catch one ISKCON, then slaughter."
Nasreen questions rationale behind targeting ISKCON
Questioning the logic of targeting ISKCON, Nasreen asked, "Is ISKCON a terrorist organization that it should be banned?" She stressed that ISKCON is a peaceful organization that exists across the world without facing such issues anywhere else. The author blamed the hostility toward ISKCON in Bangladesh on "Islamists and jihadists who cannot tolerate people of other religions."
BJP leader expresses concern over threats to ISKCON
West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari also expressed concern over the situation. He described it as a "concerted attack" on ISKCON and shared a video of a procession in Chattogram where radicals were reportedly chanting against ISKCON. Adhikari warned of consequences if radicals proceed with their plans against ISKCON, claiming that slogans such as "There is no place for ISKCON in this Bangla" and calls to "Burn down ISKCON" were raised during the procession.
Communal clashes erupt following Facebook post
The tensions started after communal clashes broke out on November 5. A local trader, Osman Ali, allegedly posted on Facebook calling ISKCON a "terrorist group," which infuriated the Hindu community in Chattogram's Hazari Gali area. Subsequently, joint police and army forces arrested nearly 100 suspects. Allegations surfaced that acid was used against responders, aggravating an already dire situation. Notably, Hindus, who constitute about 8% of Bangladesh's population, have historically supported ousted Sheikh Hasina's Awami League.
