Bangladeshi ISKCON Monks Denied Entry to India Amid Rising Tensions
Sixty-three Bangladeshi ISKCON monks, all possessing valid travel documents, were stopped from crossing into India over the weekend, sparking concerns and protests from the global ISKCON community. According to Bangladeshi media and ISKCON Kolkata, the monks were halted at the Benapole land port, the Bangladesh side of the border, by immigration officials citing “suspicious activities” as the reason.
Reports indicate that the monks, traveling from various districts in Bangladesh, arrived at the border on Saturday and Sunday, seeking to attend religious ceremonies in India, but were denied entry. Despite having valid visas and other necessary documents, the authorities did not provide clear reasons for the refusal. Saurabh Tapander Cheli, one of the affected monks, expressed frustration over the situation, saying they were not given an explanation for the denial.
Benapole Immigration check-post OC, Imtiaz Md Ahsanul Quader Bhuiya, stated that 54 individuals were turned back on Sunday, but the details behind the suspicions remain unclear. The monks, members of different ISKCON units in Bangladesh, were reportedly told it was unsafe for them to travel to India at this time. ISKCON Kolkata Vice-President Radharamn Das questioned the grounds for their refusal, highlighting that the monks had all the required documentation.
This incident coincided with a global protest organized by ISKCON devotees, who are concerned about the persecution of their community in Bangladesh. On Sunday, millions of ISKCON followers across the world participated in prayers and protests demanding the release of arrested monks and calling for the monks’ right to freely practice their religion.
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