Chinmoy Krishna Das, also known as Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu or Chandan Kumar Dhar, is a prominent Hindu religious leader in Bangladesh whose life is a testament to devotion, activism, and resilience amidst challenges. Once a senior figure in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Bangladesh, his recent arrest on controversial sedition charges has ignited outrage among Hindu communities in Bangladesh and India.
Das has established himself as a significant leader within Bangladesh’s Hindu minority community. Renowned for his serene and collected nature, he has persistently adopted a peaceful yet determined stance on addressing minority-related concerns.
A Devotee From Childhood
Born in Satkania Upazila, Chittagong, Chinmoy Krishna Das demonstrated a natural affinity for spirituality from an early age. Affectionately called the “Shishu Bokta” (child preacher), he gained a reputation for his eloquence and unwavering commitment to Sanatan Dharma. Over the years, he rose through the ranks of ISKCON, eventually serving as the Divisional Organising Secretary for Chittagong, where he became a respected figure among Bangladesh’s Hindu community.
As the Principal of Pundarik Dham Ashram in Hathazari, Chittagong, he has overseen spiritual and social programs, making the ashram a hub for Hindu cultural and religious activities.
Chinmoy Krishna Das played a significant role in ISKCON’s activities in Bangladesh, serving as the Divisional Organising Secretary for Chittagong. He was known for his dynamic leadership, which expanded ISKCON’s reach and influence in the region.
Championing Hindu Rights
In August 2024, Chinmoy Krishna Das assumed leadership of the Sanatan Jagaran Mancha, a platform advocating for the rights and security of Bangladesh’s Hindu community. This initiative emerged in response to a surge in violence targeting Hindus after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government. Under his leadership, the Mancha highlighted atrocities, including attacks on temples, homes, and livelihoods.
Bangladesh’s Hindu community, comprising only 8% of the population, has long faced systemic discrimination and violence. Chinmoy Krishna Das’s vocal advocacy for justice and minority rights brought hope to millions of Hindus while drawing international attention to their plight.
A Controversial Arrest
On 25 November 2024, Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on sedition charges. The allegations stem from an incident in which he and others allegedly raised a saffron flag—a symbol of Hindu pride—above the Bangladeshi national flag during a peaceful rally in Chittagong. His supporters argue this act was a cultural expression, not sedition. However, the Chattogram Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court denied him bail, marking yet another instance of political persecution of Hindu leaders in Bangladesh.
This act, which his supporters see as a proud expression of cultural heritage.
Widespread Protests and International Condemnation
The arrest triggered mass protests in Bangladesh and India. Thousands took to the streets in Dhaka, Chittagong, and other cities, demanding his release and an end to violence against Hindus. Tragically, a lawyer, Saiful Islam Alif, was killed during protests in Chittagong, escalating tensions further.
In India, ISKCON members, Hindu leaders, and political figures, including Priyanka Gandhi and Pawan Kalyan, condemned the arrest. Demonstrations in Kolkata and other cities underscored solidarity with Bangladesh’s Hindu community. Indian spiritual leaders Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, Sri Sri Ravishankar, and British MP Bob Blackman also voiced concerns, calling for international intervention to ensure religious freedoms in Bangladesh.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed “deep concern” over the arrest, urging Bangladesh to safeguard its Hindu citizens and uphold minority rights.
Despite his unwavering commitment to Sanatana Dharma, Chinmoy Krishna Das has faced politically motivated allegations aimed at tarnishing his reputation:
- Sedition Case: His arrest over raising a saffron flag is widely seen as an attempt to suppress Hindu voices.
- Accusations of Communal Tensions: Critics accuse him of inciting unrest, which his supporters vehemently deny.
- Misconduct Allegations: In 2023, ISKCON suspended him following unproven allegations of misconduct, which his followers believe were orchestrated to undermine his influence.
- Acid Attack Allegations: Reports linking him to an acid attack on law enforcement are dismissed by his supporters as baseless.
ISKCON’s Strategic Distancing & Decision Reversal
ISKCON Bangladesh, facing threats of a government ban, publicly distanced itself from Chinmoy Krishna Das. General Secretary Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari stated that he and others were removed from ISKCON for “disciplinary violations,” emphasizing that their actions did not represent ISKCON. This seemingly calculated move seems to have allowed ISKCON to avert a ban and continue operating in a hostile environment. However, the organization also came forward in support of Chinmoy Krishna Das.
Iskcon,Inc. stands with Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das. Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of all these devotees.
— Iskcon,Inc. (@IskconInc) November 28, 2024
The organization released a statement “Iskon has not, and does not distance itself from supporting Chinmoy Krishna Das’s rights and freedom for peacefully calling for protecting Hindus and their places of worship”.
Clarifying ISKCON's position and support for religious rights in Bangladesh pic.twitter.com/dtP6Qu0NoR
— ISKCON (@iskcon) November 28, 2024
Ousted PM Sheikh Hasina also called his arrest ‘unjust‘.
In light of recent events, there was a proposal to ban ISKCON, with the Bangladesh government categorizing the group as a fundamentalist organization. However, on 28 November 2024, the High Court in Bangladesh decided against prohibiting Iskcon, indicating that the current circumstances do not justify such a judicial action.
Chinmoy Krishna Das is more than a religious leader—he is a symbol of resilience and hope for Bangladesh’s marginalized Hindus. Despite personal and legal challenges, his steadfast commitment to Sanatana Dharma and minority rights has inspired millions. For many, he embodies the struggle for justice, equality, and the survival of Hindu identity in a nation fraught with religious tensions.
His arrest underscores the dire state of Hindu rights in Bangladesh and has galvanized global Hindu communities to rally for his release and demand accountability for the injustices faced by minorities. In the eyes of his supporters, Chinmoy Krishna Das is not just a leader—he is a martyr for the cause of Dharma.
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