ISKCON: Religious Organization or Terrorist Organization?

Background and Religious Foundation of ISKCON

ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) was founded in 1966 by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The main objective of the organization was to promote devotion to God and spiritual development.

Although ISKCON is seen as a religious and spiritual movement worldwide, in the context of Bangladesh, allegations of involvement in terrorist activities against the organization have recently become acute. In particular, ISKCON’s local activities have been questioned due to allegations of land grabbing, creating communal tension among minority communities and promoting religious extremism. In this context, there have been strong demands to ban the organization in various countries, including Bangladesh, citing ISKCON’s activities as a threat to the peace, coexistence and rule of law in the country. Such allegations have also damaged ISKCON’s global position worldwide and there has been a need for a fresh investigation into their activities.

ISKCON’s activities and allegations in Bangladesh

ISKCON’s activities in Bangladesh began in the early 1970s. Initially, they worked to awaken religious consciousness among the local people by promoting Bhakti Yoga and building temples. However, in recent years, serious allegations have been made against them, which have called into question the organization’s activities.

1. Communal incitement

ISKCON has been accused several times of spreading hatred against other religious communities in the name of the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh. The statements and activities of some of their leaders and members have become the cause of creating religious divisions in society. Especially their propaganda and provocative comments through social media have created confusion among people.

2. Illegal land grabbing and temple construction

ISKCON has been accused of illegal land grabbing in different parts of Bangladesh. There are allegations that temples have been built by grabbing the land of local people. Locals even claim that many families have been displaced as a result.

3. Religious extremism and violence

Evidence has been found of involvement in violent activities against some ISKCON workers and supporters. In some incidents in 2023, it was seen that the name of ISKCON was used to incite violence among the local population. Such activities, which are against the principles of religious coexistence, are considered sufficient grounds to label them as terrorists.

Allegations against ISKCON around the world

Allegations against ISKCON around the world have increased relatively, which has put the organization’s global image in danger. Just as there have been allegations of land grabbing and communal incitement in Bangladesh, there has been evidence of involvement of some branches of ISKCON in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and other countries in these activities. In several regions including India, they have been accused of religious incitement, economic corruption, and illegal land grabbing in the name of temple construction. In Sri Lanka, there have also been allegations of land grabbing for local temple construction and creating communal tension. In Nepal, land claims in the name of ISKCON have created discontent among the local people. These allegations have called into question ISKCON’s global activities one by one and raised doubts about their true intentions. These allegations against them have recently created a global controversy, resulting in international pressure on the organization and demands to restrict their activities in various countries.

Demand for ban in Bangladesh

In the context of increasing complaints and violence against ISKCON’s activities in Bangladesh, several quarters have demanded their ban. According to experts, the government should ensure an environment of religious coexistence in the country by thoroughly investigating ISKCON’s activities. Many believe that if such an institution creates violence or communal tension, it can be harmful to the overall peace and stability of the country. The government should take strong steps to ensure the safety of the affected families and minority communities in particular. At the same time, it is very important to investigate how the influence of ISKCON’s global network is working in Bangladesh, because their international relations and activities can have an adverse impact on religious harmony in the country. For this reason, the demand to ban ISKCON is gaining considerable importance, and the government is being specially urged to take urgent action in this regard.

According to experts in this regard:

1. State responsibility: State responsibility: The government should thoroughly investigate ISKCON’s activities to ensure an environment of religious coexistence. In a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country like Bangladesh, where people of different religions live together, it is the prime duty of the government to maintain an environment of religious coexistence. If the activities of an international religious organization like ISKCON are a source of communal tension or violence in the country, it can pose a threat to national security. The government should deeply examine every aspect of ISKCON’s activities, such as religious propaganda, social influence, property grabbing and attitude towards other religions. This will ensure that their activities do not conflict with the religious harmony and social peace of the country. If the government’s process is thus fair and undefended, it will be possible to take effective measures against terrorist activities, and the environment of religious coexistence can be maintained.
2. Local resentment: It is necessary to take strong steps to ensure the safety of the affected families and minority communities. When a religious organization, such as ISKCON, incites communal tension within the local community or perpetrates injustice, violence or other inhumane acts against them, it can create deep resentment and uncertainty among the people of that area. Minority communities, who may be marginalized for various reasons, are often the most affected in such situations. This resentment can result in distrust in society, violent protests, and a breakdown in social harmony. To prevent such a situation, the government must take swift and effective steps to ensure the safety of the affected families and people from minority communities. This problem should be addressed through a joint initiative of law enforcement, local administration and human rights organizations. If security and trust can be restored among these people through strong measures, it will be possible to successfully resist terrorist or violent acts.
3. International Connections: The extent to which ISKCON’s global network is working in Bangladesh needs to be investigated. ISKCON is an international organization with branches spread across the world and its activities and influence transcend borders. It is very important to monitor the impact of the religious, social or cultural influence that ISKCON’s global network is having on the overall religious and social environment of the country. In particular, if foreign funding or international support causes unrest or violence among religious minority communities in Bangladesh, it may pose a threat to the security of the country. Therefore, the government should monitor and investigate the activities being carried out in Bangladesh through ISKCON’s global network so that the peace and security of the country is maintained.

Is ISKCON really a terrorist organization?

The issue of labeling ISKCON as a terrorist organization depends on their recent activities and allegations. Although ISKCON is known worldwide as a religious organization, the allegations against ISKCON in the context of Bangladesh are serious and worthy of investigation. In particular, some members are accused of communal incitement, disregard for religious tolerance, and involvement in violent activities.

These allegations are proven, but if any branch or member of ISKCON is involved in terrorist activities, it is very important to take strong action against the organization. To maintain peace and security in the country, the government and law enforcement agencies should thoroughly investigate the allegations and take legal action. If it is found that ISKCON or its branches are involved in any kind of violence or terrorist activities, it will be important not only according to the laws of Bangladesh, but also from the perspective of international law and human rights organizations. However, to deal with allegations of terrorist activities, decisions should be made based on specific evidence, so that no innocent members or ordinary devotees are harmed.

Finally, although ISKCON has emerged as a religious organization, its activities are facing questions in various countries, including Bangladesh. In recent times, allegations of land grabbing, communal incitement and violence against them have taken them beyond the identity of a religious organization. The Bangladesh government and the international community should properly investigate these allegations and take strict action if necessary.

Religious organizations can never be a cause of division or violence in society. If ISKCON is involved in terrorist activities, then it is the need of the hour to take legal action against them.