November 27, 2024: A petition was filed with the Bangladesh High Court on Wednesday, calling for a ban on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) amidst a spate of violence targeting the Hindu community. The petition also urges the government to impose a state of emergency in the southeastern city of Chittagong and the northern region of Rangpur, both of which have seen intense protests and unrest in recent days.

The High Court, comprising Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury, sought a response from the government regarding the steps it has taken in relation to ISKCON's activities. The court has asked Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman to provide information on the government's actions by Thursday.

The petition follows the recent arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu, a prominent Hindu monk and advocate for religious minorities, who was detained on November 25 at Dhaka’s international airport. Prabhu, also known as Chinmoy Das, has been charged with sedition and is currently being held without bail. His arrest has sparked widespread protests, with many accusing the government of silencing voices critical of the treatment of religious minorities in the country.

During the court proceedings, Supreme Court lawyer Moniruzzaman presented reports from local newspapers highlighting ISKCON's involvement in activities that have allegedly incited unrest, particularly in the context of the recent violence against Hindus.

The unrest that led to the petition has drawn national and international attention, with growing concerns over the safety of Bangladesh's Hindu minority. Reports of violent attacks on Hindu homes, temples, and businesses have surfaced, sparking fears of rising religious intolerance in the country.

The Bangladesh High Court has directed the government to take immediate measures to address the situation and prevent further violence. This latest development comes amidst heightened tensions and protests in several cities, as the Hindu community grapples with what it describes as growing threats to its safety and religious freedoms.

As the situation continues to unfold, both domestic and international observers are closely watching the response of the Bangladesh government, as well as the judiciary's role in addressing concerns over religious freedom and minority rights.