Massive Protests in Bangladesh Demanding Ban on Extremist Hindu Group ISKCON

Widespread anger erupted across Bangladesh, including the capital Dhaka, following the abduction of prominent Bangladeshi cleric Mufti Mohibullah Madani{:target="_blank"} by individuals suspected of being linked to the Hindu religious group ISKCON{:target="_blank"}. Political parties, human rights organizations, and Islamic movements organized large-scale protests after Friday prayers, demanding that the government ban the group, which they accuse of committing crimes against imams and religious leaders, as well as being involved in violence, abductions, and anti-national activities.

Mass Rallies Across Bangladesh

Rallies began from major and national mosques across the country, most notably the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque{:target="_blank"} in Dhaka. Protesters raised slogans demanding an immediate halt to ISKCON activities and strict legal action against the group. Participants said the abduction of Imam Mohibullah was not an isolated incident, noting that ISKCON had previously been accused of inciting attacks on imams and mosque leaders as part of what they described as “planned attempts to undermine Bangladesh’s Islamic identity.”

Imam Found Tied After Kidnapping

The kidnapping of Mufti Mohibullah Madani, the khateeb and imam of BTCL T&T Colony Jame Masjid in Tongi, Gazipur, sparked public outrage. He was found tied in a border area two days after his disappearance, an incident that shocked the public and renewed debate over ISKCON’s activities and its links to extremist Hindu groups in India.

Bangladesh Intifada’s Demands

The group “Bangladesh Intifada” held a protest outside the northern gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque, presenting the following demands:

1. Immediate and transparent investigation into the Gazipur rape case and punishment of those responsible.
2. Independent investigation into the recent abduction and killing cases in Tongi, ensuring justice for the victims.
3. Development of a national strategy to combat institutional Islamophobia.
4. Enactment of laws to protect Muslim women and ensure their physical and mental safety.
5. Provision of legal and security protection for imams and activists working against religious hate crimes.

Khilafat Movement’s Accusations

In Kamrangirchar, another rally organized by the Bangladesh Khilafat Movement{:target="_blank"} criticized ISKCON sharply, accusing it of “undermining Bangladesh’s Islamic identity for years and promoting extremist Hindu ideas under the guise of cultural and religious activities.”

Speakers also claimed that ISKCON was involved in illegal financial activities, exploitation of Muslim girls through prohibited relationships, inciting communal tensions, and establishing religious centers in a manner “similar to Israeli settlements.”

Nationwide Protests Expand

Protests spread to Mohammadpur, Mirpur, Asad Gate, and Jigatola in Dhaka, as well as cities including Gazipur, Chattogram, and Bogura, with university students joining marches demanding a complete ban on ISKCON activities and an independent international investigation into the group’s alleged crimes.

Imam Shares Details of Kidnapping

Bangladeshi Imam Shares Details of Kidnapping After Refusing to Speak for “ISKCON” and “Akhanda Bharat”

Maulana Mohibullah Miyaji, the khateeb and imam of BTCL Colony Mosque in Tongi, Gazipur, told Al-Mujtama Magazine that he was kidnapped and tortured after refusing to give statements in support of ISKCON.

Authorities said he was rescued Thursday morning from the Sitagram helicopter landing area in Panchagarh Sadar Upazila, a day after his disappearance. He was found with his legs tied and lying by the roadside.

According to eyewitnesses, locals spotted a man tied to a banana tree near the highway around 6:30 a.m. and called the police. Officers arrived and took him to Panchagarh Sadar Hospital for treatment.

Imam’s Testimony from Hospital

Speaking from his hospital bed, Imam Mohibullah said:

“I went for a morning walk last Wednesday. Suddenly, an ambulance stopped in front of me. Several men came out, put something over my face, and I lost consciousness. When I woke up, I was tied up, and they beat me severely on areas of my body where I had previous surgery. They pulled my beard, and their voices did not sound Bangladeshi.”

He added that the attackers pressured him to make statements supporting Akhanda Bharat and ISKCON, and that over the past eleven months he had received multiple threatening letters asking him to speak against Islam and the Quran. The last letter, dated October 21, included a direct death threat if he did not comply.

Medical Report & Investigation Demands

Dr. Mizanur Rahman, civil surgeon at Panchagarh Hospital, said the imam was in a state of extreme physical and mental exhaustion when rescued. He had visible marks of beating and torture, but medical tests confirmed he was not drugged.

Police have not yet released an official statement on suspects or motives. Meanwhile, religious and human rights organizations have called for an immediate and independent investigation, saying the case indicates a serious rise in attacks on Muslim clerics in the country.