Bob Blackman, a Conservative Member of Parliament for Harrow East in the United Kingdom condemned the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. Addressing the parliament on Thursday (Nov 28), Blackman showed his concern by the attempt of a High Court in Bangladesh to ban ISKCON from the country. In a post on X, he attached a video of himself speaking in the parliament and said, “Today, I condemned the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and the imprisonment of Chinmoy Krishna Das. I am also concerned by the attempt in their High Court to rule that ISKCON should be banned from the country. Freedom of religion must be preserved globally.”
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
London [UK]: Bob Blackman, a Conservative Member of Parliament for Harrow East in the United Kingdom, has strongly condemned the ongoing attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, Blackman voiced his concern over the persecution of religious minorities and the potential banning of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) in Bangladesh.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Blackman shared a video of his parliamentary address, stating:
“Today, I condemned the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and the imprisonment of Chinmoy Krishna Das. I am also concerned by the attempt in their High Court to rule that ISKCON should be banned from the country. Freedom of religion must be preserved globally.”
Highlighting the Crisis in Bangladesh
During his speech, Blackman detailed the grave situation faced by Hindus in Bangladesh, including violence, arson, and the arrest of spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das. He remarked:
“Now, right now, Mr Speaker, the International Society of Krishna Consciousness, who run Bhaktaventa Manor in Elstree, the largest Hindu temple in this country, in Bangladesh, their spiritual leader is under arrest. Hindus across Bangladesh are being subject literally to death by their houses being burnt, their temples are being burnt. And there was an attempt today in the Bangladesh High Court to rule that ISKCON should be banned from the country. This is a direct attack on Hindus.”
Blackman also called attention to the historical ties between the UK and Bangladesh, emphasizing the UK’s responsibility to intervene:
“Now this is a threat from India now to take action. We have a responsibility because we enabled Bangladesh to be free and independent.”
Urging UK Government Action
Blackman urged the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to escalate their response to the crisis. He requested an oral statement in Parliament to ensure the issue receives global attention:
“Now whatever the change of government has been in Bangladesh it cannot be acceptable that religious minorities are persecuted in this way. So far we’ve only had a written statement from the FCDO so could the leader enable an oral statement on the floor of this house so we can bring to the world’s attention what is going on in Bangladesh.”
Support from Other UK MPs
Lucy Powell, Labour and Co-op MP for Manchester Central, supported Blackman’s concerns and pledged to take action. She said:
“He is absolutely right to highlight these issues. We support freedom of religion, belief everywhere, and that includes in Bangladesh. And I will certainly ask the Foreign Office to look into whether they can come forward with a statement about what’s happening to Hindus in Bangladesh.”
ISKCON Stands with Chinmoy Krishna Das
The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, an ISKCON priest, has become a focal point of international criticism. He was detained on charges of sedition after allegedly raising a flag on a stand displaying Bangladesh’s national flag.
Denied bail by a Chittagong court, Das remains in custody, sparking widespread outrage and calls for his release.
ISKCON expressed its solidarity with the detained priest, posting on X:
“ISKCON, Inc. stands with Chinmoy Krishna Das. Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of all these devotees.”
The global Hindu community and various human rights organizations have joined the outcry, demanding immediate intervention to ensure his safety and release.
A Growing Crisis for Religious Freedom
This alarming situation underscores the precarious position of religious minorities in Bangladesh. As attacks on Hindus intensify, international leaders and organizations are increasingly calling for decisive action to protect fundamental rights and freedoms.
Blackman’s impassioned appeal in the UK Parliament, supported by other MPs, brings much-needed attention to a crisis that demands immediate global intervention.
Click Here to Read Previous Reports on ISKCON
FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES
