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The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has started a three-day-long celebration of Krishna Janmashtami at its main temple in Swamibagh, Dhaka, with thousands of devotees participating in pujas, kirtans, and cultural programmes in spite of enhanced fears regarding the security of the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus sent greetings to the Hindu community on the eve of Janmashtami, calling it one of the most important festivals in the nation's calendar. “The birth anniversary of the divine incarnation of Lord Krishna, Shubh Janmashtami, is one of the main religious festivals of the Hindu community. Lord Krishna preached the message of justice, humanity, and peace throughout his life to establish equality and harmony in society,” Yunus said in a message.

Emphasising the tradition of religious coexistence, Yunus added, “Communal harmony is a unique feature of our culture. Since ancient times, the people of this country have been practicing their respective religions while maintaining harmony. Let us, through collective efforts, build a new Bangladesh free from discrimination.”

Security Arrangements Amid Past Attacks

Hundreds of worshippers are flocking to the ISKCON temple in Swamibagh to have darshan of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha. The temple is organising rituals such as Mahabhishek (ceremonial bathing of the god), aarti, kirtans, cultural events, discussion meetings, Kirtan Mela, and religious plays. A festivity fair has also been organised where devotees are buying sweets, gifts, and traditional items for celebrating the event. Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari, ISKCON Bangladesh General Secretary, said to ANI, "May Lord Krishna bless the good and change the minds of the wicked ones. I hope each individual in this world is happy." Referring to security arrangements, Brahmachari stated, "The government is doing its best.

On security preparations, Brahmachari said, “The government is taking the best possible measures. We have had meetings with the police and military authorities, and the advisory council has assured us of protection. People will be able to celebrate freely.” However, he acknowledged the community’s fears given past incidents of violence. “Sometimes, there were attacks on Hindus and temples in Bangladesh. We have always tried to help the victims’ families. We are visiting villages and cities to give assurance to Hindus. We will not leave Bangladesh; this is our birthplace,” he said.

Atrocities Against Hindus Continue Despite Government Assurances

While the Yunus-led interim government insists that attacks on Hindus are “exaggerated propaganda,” multiple independent reports, including one from the United Nations Human Rights Office, have highlighted targeted mob violence against Hindu homes and temples in Bangladesh. In June this year, Bangladesh police arrested five men, including a local Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader, for allegedly raping a Hindu woman in Comilla’s Muradnagar upazila and circulating a video of the crime on social media, triggering widespread protests. The horrifying case renewed fears of insecurity among minority women in Bangladesh.

Adding to tensions, Bangladesh Railway authorities demolished the Khilkhet Sarbojanin Shri Shri Durga Mandir in Dhaka last month, citing illegal construction on railway land. Minority groups condemned the move as “insensitive and deliberate,” especially with Durga Puja approaching. Protests erupted across Dhaka, with the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council demanding safeguards for Hindu places of worship.

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India Raises Concern, UN and Rights Groups Issue Warnings

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has repeatedly expressed concern about the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated on June 27, “It is the interim government of Bangladesh’s responsibility to safeguard Hindus, their properties, and their places of worship." The UN report titled Human Rights Violations and Abuses related to the Protests of July and August 2024 in Bangladesh documented widespread attacks against Hindus, Ahmadiyya Muslims, and indigenous communities. It pointed to incidents in Lalmonirhat, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, Sylhet, Khulna, and Rangpur, where homes were torched and temples vandalized. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) also revealed that over 2,000 incidents of communal violence were recorded in the first 100 days of the Yunus government, underscoring the deteriorating situation for minorities.

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But overcoming these challenges, ISKCON temples across Bangladesh are pressing ahead with Janmashtami celebrations. Devotees remain steadfast in their faith, even as they call for stronger security guarantees. “This festival is not just about worship, it is about hope,” said a devotee at the Swamibagh temple. “Even in these difficult times, we believe Lord Krishna will protect us.” The Janmashtami festivities will continue till August 18 with grand processions, cultural events, and spiritual discourses, marking one of the biggest religious events for Bangladesh’s Hindu community, which makes up nearly 8 per cent of the nation’s population.

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