Tue Nov 19 18:08:10 UTC 2024: ## Bangladesh Faces Wave of Anti-Hindu Violence Amidst Calls to Ban ISKCON
**DHAKA, BANGLADESH** – Bangladesh is grappling with a surge in anti-Hindu violence following alleged political instability, fueled by online campaigns calling for a ban on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The campaign, utilizing hashtags like #BanISKCON, accuses ISKCON of being a foreign agent and links it to Israel, allegations vehemently denied by the organization.
Following alleged widespread violence and property damage targeting Hindus, including an attack on an ISKCON temple after the departure of Sheikh Hasina, radical Islamist groups have intensified attacks on Hindu businesses, temples, and homes. This comes after ISKCON provided crucial food aid during severe nationwide flooding two months prior.
The online campaign, spread across Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, alleges ISKCON’s involvement in November 5th violence and portrays the organization as an agent of the Indian government and a supporter of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party. Several accounts, including those with premium X subscriptions, are actively participating in this coordinated campaign. These accounts are often associated with groups promoting narratives like “Bangladesh Reborn” and “Post Revolution Bangladesh.”
ISKCON president Satya Ranjan Baray has strongly refuted these claims, stating that ISKCON is an international organization dedicated to humanitarian work and not affiliated with any intelligence agency. He emphasized that such incidents are unprecedented in ISKCON’s global operations.
The escalating violence and online hate speech highlight the precarious situation faced by the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. The situation further complicates the already tense political climate in the country, marked by calls for the banning of both ISKCON and the Awami League.
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