The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has clarified its stand on Das and expressed solidarity with Chinmoy Krishna Das, saying that the organisation “has not and does not distance itself from supporting” rights and freedom of Das.
ISKCON said that they only clarified that Das is not officially representing ISKCON in Bangladesh. Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former priest, was detained on sedition charges when he allegedly raised a banner on a stand that displayed the national flag of Bangladesh.
According to local media sources, a lawyer submitted a petition to ban ISKCON in Bangladesh, calling it a “radical organization” that participates in actions meant to provoke communal disturbance.
The Bangladesh High Court had refused to put a ban on the organization’s activities. ISKCON spokesperson Radharamn Das said that it’s relief that no ban is imposed. He added that the organisation had been deeply concerned by the stance of the Bangladesh government in the case.
