ISKCON Bangladesh Denies Allegations, Urges National Unity and Religious Harmony

Bangladesh’s ISKCON Denounces “Hate-Driven Propaganda” Against Organization

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Bangladesh has issued a formal statement condemning what it describes as a coordinated campaign of misinformation targeting the organization. The statement, released from ISKCON’s national headquarters at Swamibag Ashram in Dhaka, pushes back against what leaders call “false, fabricated, and hate-driven propaganda” circulating on social media platforms and in certain media outlets.

Sriman Charu Chandra Dasa Brahmachari, General Secretary of ISKCON Bangladesh, signed the statement that seeks to clarify the organization’s purpose and defend its reputation amid growing tensions.

“Some individuals and groups are deliberately spreading baseless accusations and false narratives to malign ISKCON and the broader Hindu community,” the statement declared. “Such attempts are not only misleading but also pose a threat to the country’s long-standing inter-religious harmony.”

The controversy emerges against the backdrop of Bangladesh’s complex religious landscape, where minorities have periodically faced challenges. Though Bangladesh is approximately 90 percent Muslim, the country has historically maintained a secular constitution that protects religious freedoms, including those of its Hindu minority, which comprises roughly 8 percent of the population.

ISKCON, founded in 1966 by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, has established a significant presence in Bangladesh, operating temples, educational initiatives, and humanitarian programs. The organization describes itself as an international, non-political spiritual movement dedicated to promoting devotion to Lord Krishna, along with values of peace, compassion, and interfaith harmony.

In its statement, ISKCON Bangladesh emphasized that it has consistently operated within the framework of national laws and regulations while focusing on peaceful coexistence and community development. The organization highlighted its extensive humanitarian work throughout Bangladesh, including educational programs, food relief initiatives, and community welfare projects that serve people regardless of their religious affiliations.

“Our movement has always been dedicated to creating peace and spiritual well-being in society,” Brahmachari noted in the statement. “We appeal to all citizens to remain vigilant against divisive propaganda and to stand united for a Bangladesh of harmony, justice, and mutual respect.”

The allegations against ISKCON come at a sensitive time for Bangladesh, which has experienced periodic communal tensions. Religious organizations often become focal points during such periods, with disinformation campaigns sometimes exacerbating underlying social divisions.

ISKCON’s leadership has called for government intervention, requesting that authorities, law enforcement agencies, and media outlets take decisive action to curb the spread of hate speech and protect communal stability. The organization has also appealed for impartial investigations into the sources of the alleged disinformation campaign.

Religious scholars and civil society organizations in Bangladesh have frequently emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue and cooperation to maintain social cohesion in the diverse nation. ISKCON’s response reflects this broader approach, concluding its statement with a universal message: “Where there is truth, there is light; where there is light, there is peace.”

The organization reaffirmed its commitment to promoting education, morality, nonviolence, and mutual respect across Bangladesh’s diverse communities, calling on people of all faiths to collaborate toward building a peaceful society.

As the situation develops, observers note that the response to ISKCON’s concerns will test Bangladesh’s commitment to protecting religious minorities and upholding constitutional guarantees of religious freedom during periods of heightened sensitivity.