POBNEWS24, Dhaka, Nov 3, 2025 : Traditional religious organizations, including ISKCON, have called for ensuring the security of the Sanatan religion community and all religious minority communities to maintain national unity and peace in Bangladesh. The organizations have claimed that vested interests have engaged in a deep conspiracy against the peace-loving religious minority community in a well-planned manner.
This call was made to the interim government and administration at a joint press conference of the organizations at the Swamibag ISKCON Ashram in the capital of Bangladesh on Monday. At the time, three demands were also made, including taking legal action against those involved in malicious activities to destroy harmony.
In a written statement, Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari, coordinator of the joint press conference and general secretary of ISKCON Bangladesh, said, “Recently, it is evident that vested interests have engaged in a well-planned and deep conspiracy against the peace-loving religious minority community. Through lies, rumors and evil activities, an attempt is being made to destroy the existing religious harmony and social good relations in our country. Through these, evil tactics are being adopted to weaken the confidence of the followers of the traditional (Hindu) religion and above all, to disrupt the unity and solidarity of the nation. In this situation, we are drawing the attention of the government and the concerned highest policymakers and requesting the entire public of the country to remain united against this evil force.” Highlighting some of the recent situation, he said that baseless false information and extremely hateful statements about ISKCON are being systematically spread on social media, including wall writing, distribution of pamphlets, and constant protests and processions on educational institutions and roads. Threats are also being made to kill Hindus including ISKCON devotees in public and to destroy temples and religious institutions on a regular basis. At the same time, religious minorities including ISKCON devotees are being socially harassed in different parts of the country and are being harassed in their business establishments and workplaces. These false propaganda and misinformation are just an attempt to intimidate and tarnish an international religious, peace-loving and humanitarian organization like ISKCON.
Regarding ISKCON, the general secretary of the organization’s Bangladesh branch said, ISKCON is a Gaudiya Vaishnava sect and a non-political and religious organization. ISKCON is sympathetic and respectful to all religions and ideologies. For ages, we have been dedicated to spreading the message of peace, non-violence, human service and brotherhood. We never support any kind of violence, revenge or hatred. ISKCON’s activities are praised all over the world and various international organizations are supporting ISKCON’s activities. But unfortunately, in our country, ISKCON is being misrepresented as a militant and extremist Hindutva organization. We believe that if people of all religions and communities respect each other, it can be possible to build a progressive and just society.
Three demands were raised from the press conference. They are – All individuals and groups involved in the evil activities to destroy communal harmony must be identified quickly, subject to proper investigation, and legal action must be taken. The security of all temples, monasteries, ashrams, and all minorities and religious institutions in the country must be strengthened more effectively, and the safety of life and property of all religious minority communities in the country must be ensured. Strict and intensive monitoring measures must be taken to prevent rumors and provocative propaganda through social media, and appropriate legal action must be taken by identifying the individuals and institutions involved in this work.
Calling for national unity to resolve the crisis, Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari said, “Let us all stand shoulder to shoulder against all evil forces, regardless of party, opinion, caste or religion. We believe that if the government and the peace-loving people of the country cooperate, the atmosphere of peace and harmony will always continue in Bangladesh.”
At the press conference, BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member and Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Welfare Front Chairman Bijan Kanti Sarkar said, “The current situation in the country is one person turning against another. The government is trying its best to control the situation. They have to be more proactive. On the other hand, we also have to play a responsible role. If we see something provocative being propagated on Facebook-YouTube, we should immediately inform the law enforcement agencies.” He also said that elections are ahead. Our community should say that we should not be used as pawns.
Subhapati Basudeb Dhar, president of the Bangladesh Puja Udjavan Parishad, said that immediately after the formation of the government, the chief advisor came to the Dhakeshwari National Temple and said that we are all members of ‘one family’. But because that is not happening, violence and clashes are happening all around. We all want to take the country forward together. Therefore, our expectation is that the next elected government will play a role in forming one family. The countrymen believe that if ‘one family’ is implemented, there will be no communalism, no religious fanaticism.
Manindra Kumar Nath, acting general secretary of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council and joint coordinator of the Minority Unity Front, said that elections are ahead. Whenever elections come, we panic. We want to get rid of this situation. Otherwise, minorities will have no choice but to come together and take to the streets.
JL Bhowmik, president of the Gulshan-Banani Universal Puja Foundation, and others also spoke at the press conference.
