Leaders of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Bangladesh addressed the media during a press briefing at the Swamibagh Temple office in Dhaka, clarifying that Chinmoy's actions and statements are entirely his own responsibility.

In a written statement, Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari, General Secretary of ISKCON Bangladesh, disclosed that Chinmoy Krishna Das, formerly in charge of Sri Sri Pundarik Dham in Chattogram, was permanently removed from the organisation in July.

Two others, Leelaraj Gour Das and Gaurang Das, were also expelled for similar violations. “These individuals’ actions do not represent ISKCON Bangladesh,” Charu Chandra Das affirmed.

Hrishikesh Gouranga Das, an executive member of ISKCON Bangladesh and representative of its Child Protection Team, detailed the allegations against Chinmoy, which included accusations of inappropriate behavior towards children associated with the organisation.

Chinmoy was initially suspended from ISKCON activities for three months but allegedly defied the directive, leading to his permanent expulsion.

The controversy escalated following Chinmoy’s recent arrest in a sedition case, which triggered protests by his followers in Chattogram. The demonstrations turned violent in the Chittagong court area, culminating in the tragic death of assistant public prosecutor Saiful Islam.

Eyewitnesses, including Chattogram Bar Association President Nazim Uddin Chowdhury, reported that the protesters attacked and fatally injured Saiful. The incident has sparked outrage, with subsequent rallies in Chattogram and Dhaka demanding a ban on ISKCON Bangladesh.

ISKCON Bangladesh leaders condemned these demands as baseless and part of a "coordinated smear campaign." Charu Chandra Das noted a rise in misinformation targeting the organisation, particularly after Saiful Islam’s murder.

“Even unrelated incidents, like road accidents, are being falsely attributed to ISKCON,” he said, emphasizing that Chinmoy Krishna Das’s views do not reflect those of ISKCON.

President of ISKCON Bangladesh, Satyaranjan Barai, strongly condemned the murder of Saiful Islam and called on the government to ensure justice. He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to peace, religious harmony, and human welfare, urging restraint among all communities.

The controversy has also drawn political attention in neighboring India, where BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari announced plans for a blockade at the Indo-Bangladesh Petrapole border on December 2.

Adhikari is demanding a suspension of visas and export permits for Bangladeshi nationals in response to Chinmoy’s arrest. In response, ISKCON Bangladesh reiterated that it operates independently and is not influenced by Indian political entities.

The organisation has called for unity and accountability as it continues to address the fallout from the incident.

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