KOLKATA: Sixty-three ISKCON monks from Bangladesh, despite carrying valid travel documents, were denied entry into India over the weekend. The monks were stopped at the Benapole land port, the Bangladesh side of the international border, due to what officials described as “suspicious activities.” This incident, reported by Bangladeshi media and ISKCON Kolkata, has raised concerns about religious freedom and safety for minorities in the region.
Efforts to obtain an official explanation from the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata yielded no response. Meanwhile, ISKCON devotees around the world have joined protests against what they call “targeted persecution” of their community in Bangladesh. The situation continues to draw international attention.
Monks Blocked at Border Amid Pilgrimage Plans
According to reports, the monks, who were from various districts across Bangladesh, arrived at the Benapole border on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. They intended to cross into India for a planned religious pilgrimage but were denied entry by immigration authorities. The officials cited “suspicious travel purposes” as the reason for their decision.
Saurabh Tapander Cheli, one of the monks turned away, expressed frustration over the experience. “I came to attend a religious event in India, but immigration officials sent me back without any explanation,” he said. Another monk shared a similar sentiment, stating that their only goal was to perform religious rituals, yet they were stopped without clear reasoning.
Benapole Immigration Officer-in-Charge Imtiaz Md Ahsanul Quader Bhuiya confirmed that 54 monks were stopped on Sunday. Additionally, nine others were reportedly denied entry on Saturday. However, the specific concerns behind the suspicions remain undisclosed.
ISKCON Leaders Raise Concerns
ISKCON Kolkata Vice-President Radharamn Das strongly criticized the decision, questioning why monks with valid visas and travel documents were not allowed to cross the border. “These monks, from different ISKCON units in Bangladesh, had meticulously planned a pilgrimage to India. It’s shocking they were stopped despite fulfilling all legal requirements,” he said.
He added that Bangladeshi authorities allegedly justified their actions by citing “safety concerns,” but he questioned the basis of these claims. “This is yet another instance of targeting religious minorities under the guise of vague security concerns,” Das remarked.
Arrests of ISKCON Monks Intensify Protests
Tensions escalated further on Friday when Bangladeshi authorities arrested two more ISKCON monks—Ranganath Shyamsunder Das and Rudrapati Keshav Das. They were charged with sedition after reportedly delivering medicine to another monk in prison. ISKCON described the arrests as unjust and deeply troubling.
Images of the arrested monks in saffron robes performing religious rituals have gone viral on social media, sparking outrage and fueling the global protest movement. The hashtag #FreeISKCONMonks has gained significant traction, with many condemning the arrests as a violation of religious freedom.
Global Solidarity Through Prayer and Protest
In response to these incidents, ISKCON devotees worldwide organized prayer and protest events on Sunday. These gatherings began at ISKCON’s Tokyo temple and spread to over 150 centers globally, including cities like Vladivostok, London, and New York.
Radharamn Das stated, “Despite multiple appeals to international bodies such as the United Nations, there has been no meaningful intervention. Our only recourse now is to pray and seek divine intervention.” He emphasized that these incidents highlight the need for stronger global advocacy for the safety and rights of religious minorities.
Broader Implications for Religious Freedom
The recent actions against ISKCON monks underscore growing concerns about the treatment of religious minorities in Bangladesh. While Bangladeshi authorities have not provided detailed explanations for their decisions, critics argue that such actions reflect systemic discrimination.
Human rights organizations and international bodies have repeatedly called for greater protection for minority communities in the region. The denial of entry to monks seeking a peaceful pilgrimage, coupled with the arrests, paints a troubling picture of religious intolerance.
As protests and prayers continue worldwide, the ISKCON community hopes for a resolution that ensures the safety and freedom of their devotees. This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the need for tolerance and respect for all religious groups.