Bangladesh Stops 50+ ISKCON Members from Entering India

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Bangladesh denied entry to 54 ISKCON members at the Benapole border.
2. The devotees reportedly had valid passports and visas.
3. Border officials cited instructions from higher authorities.
4. The group was traveling to attend a religious ceremony in India.
5. The incident follows recent actions against ISKCON in Bangladesh.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

ISKCON Members Blocked at Border

Bangladeshi authorities recently denied 54 members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) permission to cross into India at the Benapole border. The devotees, from various districts, held valid travel documents but were informed that their travel lacked the necessary government approval.

Official Explanation

Imtiaz Ahsanul Quader Bhuiyan, an immigration officer, stated they received instructions from higher authorities to prevent the ISKCON members from proceeding. Despite their valid passports and visas, officials emphasized that special permission was mandatory for their travel plans.

Increasing Actions Against ISKCON

This incident occurs amidst heightened scrutiny of ISKCON in Bangladesh. The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON member, on sedition charges has intensified tensions. His detention led to violent protests resulting in the death of a lawyer. Additionally, two other priests, Rudraproti Kesab Das and Ranga Nath Syama Sundor Das, were arrested.

Financial and Legal Restrictions

Bangladeshi authorities have also frozen the bank accounts of 17 ISKCON-affiliated entities for 30 days. Despite calls for banning ISKCON, the Bangladeshi High Court recently refused such demands.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• Bangladesh stopped ISKCON members with valid documents from entering India.
• Officials cited the absence of specific government permission.
• This action follows increased scrutiny and restrictions on ISKCON.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

See Full Bio