In a controversial move, Bangladeshi immigration authorities denied passage to 54 members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) at the Benapole border checkpoint on Sunday, despite possessing valid travel documents. 

Saying “suspicious travel purposes,” officials refused to allow the Hindu devotees to cross into India via the Benapole-Petrapole route.

Official stand

Benapole Immigration Checkpost Officer-in-Charge, Imtiaz Ahsanul Quader Bhuiya, confirmed the action, stating that instructions came from higher authorities following consultations with the Special Branch of Police. Local media also reported claims of over 70 devotees arriving at the border to attend religious ceremonies in India.

“We were informed not to permit them,” Bhuiya told reporters. The authorities reportedly demanded additional permissions that the devotees allegedly could not provide.

Devotees’ response

The ISKCON members, stranded at the border overnight, expressed frustration over the lack of clarity.

“We had valid passports and visas for religious rituals, yet we were turned away without explanation,” said Saurabh Tapandar Cheli, one of the travelers.

This incident comes amid rising concerns over the treatment of minority communities in Bangladesh.

Reports indicate a surge in attacks on Hindu temples, homes, and businesses following the formation of the interim government led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. Activists have highlighted incidents of arson, looting, and desecration of religious sites, creating a climate of fear for minorities.

Arrest of ISKCON leader

Earlier this week, Chinmoy Krishna Das, an ISKCON spokesperson and member of the Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote, was arrested and denied bail. His detention has sparked protests, with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemning the actions and urging Bangladesh to ensure the safety of its minorities.

“The perpetrators of violence remain free, yet charges are pressed against peaceful religious leaders,” the MEA stated, calling for protection of the right to peaceful assembly and expression.

 

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has strongly criticized the interim government for targeting minorities. She condemned the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das and called for his immediate release.

“Religious freedom and security for all communities must be ensured,” Hasina declared. She also pointed to recent violence, including the burning of a temple in Chittagong and attacks on other minority groups, as evidence of increasing lawlessness.

Meanwhile, radical groups like the “Anti-Discrimination Student Movement” have continued their disinformation campaigns against ISKCON, labeling the organization an “agent of the Awami League.” Bangladesh’s Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has reportedly frozen the bank accounts of Das and 16 other ISKCON-affiliated individuals.