One way to judge how pro-free speech a society or government is, consistency in the stands of those who represent the sensible rebellious section of the population. Our eastern neighbour Bangladesh has failed this test.
The international wing of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has expressed full solidarity with Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das. “Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of all these devotees,” added the X handle of ISKCON.
Das has been in detention for more than 72 hours by Dhaka Police. He is facing the charge of disrespecting the Bangladeshi flag—a minor violation in liberal countries but a grave offence in Bangladesh. Apparently, Firoz Khan, the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) leader who made the allegation, was also ousted from his party for anti-party activities.
Despite the poor credentials of the complainant, Bangladeshi Police did not hesitate before unceremoniously arresting Das from the airport. The place and manner of arrest were more than just formalities. They were instead a message that he should not dare question authorities regarding the continuing anti-Hindu pogrom under Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus.
As is common for most Islamist countries, minorities are facing extinction in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics says that by the end of 2022, its Muslim population was 91.05 per cent, while Hindus and other minorities consist of 8.95 per cent. Mind you, these minorities and the majority dominating them were good-faith neighbours until the Islamic invasion happened.
Now, the dominant section of this 91.05 per cent of the population is hunting for their blood. As soon as Sheikh Hasina was ousted in the name of students’ protest, violence against Hindus began. The internet was filled with Hindus trying to protect their land, houses, property, respect, and whatnot. But the butchering did not stop.
There came a stage where these murderers went to Hindu areas and killed people without any second thought. There is an infamous video where one mob lyncher is asking another to check whether the person they killed is Hindu or not. After cross-checking, the gore murderers rejoiced in happiness.
In another incident, a Hindu youth called Utsav Mondal was trapped into an online argument by his Islamist friend. After both of them insulted each other’s religions, the Islamist deleted his own comment and filed a blasphemy complaint against Utsav. While his parents were in the police station, a mob of Islamists came hunting for him in the police station and demanded him for 10 minutes.
The police caved in and surrendered him to the mob’s feet. They did not wait for anything and beat him black and blue. Only after falsely assuming that Utsav was dead did they leave the place. Thankfully, Utsav was later taken to the hospital where he survived, but not without major life-altering injuries.
If this is the state of affairs in a police station in a country, assuming the worst for any loved ones locked in a police station is logical. Das has been in police custody, and it is not known how he is being treated there since enemies are near him. Additionally, due to him being under arrest, ISKCON is also facing demands for shutting down and being declared a terrorist organisation.
The way mob justice is going on in Bangladesh, a kangaroo court operating under Clinton Foundation stooge Muhammad Yunus will have no qualms in doing so as well. Yunus has nothing to lose, and Islamists fear Trump taking on the American presidency on 20th January 2025.
Before that, they want to inflict significant damage on ISKCON and its credibility among Bangladeshis. However, for ISKCON Bangladesh, it is a do-or-die situation. On one hand, they have the option to help Krishna Das, while on the other, it will invite more thrashing from the Bangladeshi establishment, which is led by Islamists under the age of 40 years. Yunus is only a good face to cover their crimes.
That could be one reason why the Bangladesh unit of ISKCON has temporarily decided to keep the organisation afloat in the country.
In the statement released before its parent organisation, ISKCON Bangladesh said, “Several months ago, Leelaraj Gour Das, head of Prabartak Sri Krishna Mandir, Gaurang Das, and Chinmoy Krishna Das, head of Sri Sri Pundarik Dham in Chittagong, were removed from their positions and all organizational activities within ISKCON due to violations of discipline. It was clearly stated that their actions are not representative of ISKCON.”
This is nothing but a threat-induced statement. ISKCON Bangladesh is probably the last organisation working for Hindus in the country. The fact that it has been asked to buckle down speaks volumes about the status of Hindus in Bangladesh.
Thankfully, ISKCON International has enough freedom to take a morally correct stand.