Mon Nov 25 17:25:16 UTC 2024: ## ISKCON Leader Arrested in Bangladesh, Sparking Protests

**DHAKA, BANGLADESH –** The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent leader of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Bangladesh, has ignited protests in Dhaka and Chittagong. Das, who heads the Pundarik Dham monastery in Chittagong, was arrested on Monday, November 25th, 2024, following a complaint alleging disrespect to the Bangladeshi national flag during a Hindu community rally on October 25th.

The complaint, filed by former BNP leader Firoz Khan (since expelled from the party), accuses Das and 18 others of the offense. Police have already arrested two individuals in connection with the case. Das, who has been active in advocating for religious minority rights since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August, had previously spoken out about numerous attacks against Hindus.

Protests erupted in Dhaka’s Shahbag neighborhood immediately following the announcement of Das’s arrest, with demonstrators demanding his release. Similar demonstrations have also begun in Chittagong. According to reports, Das was apprehended at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport while attempting to depart for Chittagong.

While authorities cite the flag-desecration complaint as the reason for the arrest, Das’s outspoken advocacy for religious harmony and his engagement with various political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, have fueled speculation surrounding the timing and motives behind his detention. He had previously alleged that the interim government failed to prevent thousands of attacks against the Hindu minority. The situation remains tense, with further developments expected.

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