ISKCON's activities: Contradictory to democracy and security
Syed Shakeel Ahad, a writer, researcher, journalist, and columnist, tries to delve into ISKCON's activities in Bangladesh, characterised by alleged socio-political agendas, communal provocations, and clashes with law enforcement, which have sparked widespread controversy.
In recent times, it has become increasingly apparent that an organisation known as ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) is actively disturbing peace and order in Bangladesh through destabilising activities, including arson and violence. This has caused embarrassment to the current government and disrupted the nation’s normal activities.
Founded in 1966 by Abhay Charanaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, ISKCON’s core religious beliefs are based on the Srimad Bhagavatam, Bhagavad Gita, and other Vedic scriptures. Known as the Hare Krishna Movement, it follows the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition, promoting Bhakti Yoga and lacto-vegetarianism. Its devotees dedicate their lives to Krishna, whom they regard as the supreme deity.
Initially gaining traction in India, the movement expanded rapidly following the collapse of the Soviet Union, spreading into Russia and Eastern Europe. Over time, ISKCON’s activities reached Bangladesh, where its presence has become increasingly controversial.
The recent arrest of an individual who is believed to be a leader of ISKCON on specific charges has led to unrest across the country and demands for the organisation to be banned in Bangladesh.
In response, journalists raised questions during a press conference organised by the Chief Adviser's Press Wing on Thursday evening. Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, clarified that the government had not yet decided to ban ISKCON or any other organisation.
She emphasised that the government is not taking attacks on anti-discrimination movement coordinators or journalists lightly, adding, "There is no room for leniency in such cases."
Critics claim that ISKCON’s activities in Bangladesh are less about religious practice and more about advancing a controversial socio-political agenda. Some allege that ISKCON not a Hindu organization rather a Jewish-founded organisation disguised as a Hindu entity, aiming to provoke communal unrest. In his book, RAW in Bangladesh: Words of Former Heads of Intelligence Agencies, Abu Rushd writes:"ISKCON operates from its headquarters in Mayapur, Nadia district, but its underlying purpose is to provoke religious tensions in Bangladesh, with the aim of inciting communal riots." (Page 171)
Further controversy arises from the fact that Swami Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, studied in a Christian institution rather than a traditional Hindu school. His movement faced initial resistance from mainstream Hindus, who questioned its authenticity. However, he received support from individuals such as J. Stillson Judah and Thomas Hopkins, raising concerns about foreign influences on ISKCON.
ISKCON’s radical ideology, rooted in the teachings of the medieval Sri Chaitanya, includes concepts that some interpret as exclusionary and extremist. For example, Chaitanya's phrase “Niryavan Karo Aji Sakal Bhuvan” ("Make the whole world free from Yavana [Muslims]") has drawn sharp criticism.
It is notable that ISKCON does not align with many of the fundamental principles of mainstream Hinduism, instead promoting its own interpretations and practices. One way to distinguish the organisation is its emphasis on presenting European, white-skinned individuals as representatives, which sets it apart from traditional Hindu groups.
Functionally, ISKCON operates more like a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in its structure and recruitment methods. It often targets lower-caste Hindus, incorporating them into its fold. This strategic approach explains the frequent location of ISKCON temples near areas populated by lower-caste communities. For example, the proximity of an ISKCON temple to the Swamibagh temple in Dhaka is linked to the presence of a large waste dump in the area, where lower-caste Hindus are commonly found.
ISKCON’s influence is also prominent in regions like Sylhet, where a significant portion of the tea garden workers belong to lower-caste Hindu communities. The organisation has reportedly leveraged this demographic to expand its activities with relative ease.
Additionally, in some instances, ISKCON members have been accused of clashing with law enforcement and military personnel, causing embarrassment to both the government and the public. These incidents further contribute to the controversy surrounding the organisation's activities and intentions within Bangladesh.
The government has adopted a cautious but firm stance on ISKCON. The state's lawyer informed the High Court that it is up to the government to decide on banning the organisation, with the court refraining from interference.
Meanwhile, allegations persist that ISKCON’s leadership is influenced by external forces, with claims that nearly half of its policymakers are of Jewish origin. Critics argue that ISKCON’s activities contradict the democratic and cultural values of Bangladesh and pose a threat to its security.
