ISKCON Warns Bangladeshi Hindus: 'Remove Saffron and Tilak to Stay Safe'

Bangladesh (The Uttam Hindu): In light of increasing violence against Hindus and ISKCON priests in Bangladesh, ISKCON Kolkata has issued a safety advisory urging Hindus and priests to conceal their religious identity when in public. Radharaman Das, Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata, has recommended that people worship privately at home or in temples and avoid wearing identifiable religious symbols when going out. He specifically advised against wearing saffron, hiding the Tulsi garland, covering the head, and wiping off the tilak to reduce the risk of attacks by fundamentalists.

The situation in Bangladesh has been growing increasingly tense, with multiple reports of attacks on Hindus. Several ISKCON priests, including Chinmay Das Prabhu, have been arrested. Radharaman Das also mentioned that Chinmay Das’s lawyer, Raman Roy, was severely beaten and is currently fighting for his life in the ICU.

Priests Urged to Be Extra Cautious

Radharaman Das emphasized the need for caution, especially for priests, during this crisis. He urged them to cover their heads and avoid wearing saffron publicly, warning that any visible signs of priesthood could put them at risk. In the past, 63 ISKCON priests wearing saffron were stopped by Bangladeshi authorities from entering India. Das further explained that Chinmay Das had been arrested on charges of treason, and two other priests who had visited to provide him with medication were also detained. He added that the secretary handling the situation has gone missing in recent days, adding to the uncertainty.

VHP Protests and Calls for International Intervention

Meanwhile, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) held a protest in Delhi on Monday, condemning the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and calling for international intervention to end the violence. Demonstrators at Jantar Mantar raised slogans demanding protection for Hindus in Bangladesh. VHP leader Kapil Khanna warned that if the atrocities against Hindus do not cease, Bangladesh could face division. He claimed that Hindus in Bangladesh are growing increasingly frustrated and angry over the ongoing violence and displacement.

Mahant Naval Kishore Das, who joined the protest, said, “Our sisters and daughters are being tortured, religious places are being demolished, and saints are being jailed. Hindus will not tolerate this any longer.” VHP state secretary Surendra Gupta called on the United Nations and international human rights organizations to intervene immediately. He echoed concerns that if the violence continues, Bangladesh could be split in two. Hindus make up 8% of Bangladesh’s population of 170 million, and since the August 5 ousting of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government, over 200 attacks on Hindus have been reported across more than 50 districts in the country.

The Rising Threat to Hindus in Bangladesh

The ongoing violence and repression of Hindus in Bangladesh have raised alarms internationally, with many fearing for the safety and future of the minority community in the country. As the attacks escalate, both religious organizations and political leaders are urging global powers to step in and stop the atrocities before the situation worsens further.