Bangladesh prevents dozens of ISKCON members from crossing into India – The Week

Amid tensions in Bangladesh, dozens of ISKCON members trying to cross into India were turned back by immigration police from the Benapole border crossing on Sunday. The members were reportedly not allowed to cross despite having valid travel documents.

“We have consulted the special branch of the police and received instructions from higher authorities not to let them in,” said Imtiaz Ahsanul Quader Bhuiyan, officer-in-charge (OC) of Benapole immigration police.

The Daily Star reported that the ISKCON members had valid passports and visas but “did not have special government permission” to travel.

“They cannot proceed without such permission,” Bhuyan said.

About 54 members, including devotees, appeared at the checkpoint on Saturday evening and Sunday.

“We came to take part in a religious ceremony taking place in India, but immigration officials stopped us, citing lack of government permission,” said Saurabh Tapandar Cheli, one of the ISKCON members.

Mass clashes erupted in Bangladesh after the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in a sedition case.

The lawyer was killed in clashes that broke out between protesters and security forces after Krishna Dasa was denied bail. After the lawyer’s death, there were calls to ban ISKCON in Bangladesh.

Bangladeshi authorities have ordered a 30-day freeze on the bank accounts of 17 ISKCON members, including Krishna Das.

Following the arrest of Krishna Das, ISKCON members announced the arrest of two more of their priests. The priests were reportedly on their way to visit Krishna Das in prison when they were arrested.

ISKCON holds prayer meetings

ISKCON on Sunday held a prayer meeting for the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.

International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) spokesman Radharamn Das said disciples and followers held prayer meetings in 150 countries around the world.

Bangladesh’s minority Hindus have faced more than 200 attacks in 50-odd districts since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government on August 5.

India has expressed concern over the rise in violence against minorities in the country. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged the caretaker government of Bangladesh to ensure protection of all minorities.