'Avoid saffron, don't wear tilak': ISKCON Kolkata to Bangladeshi monks amid rising attacks

Amid escalating violence against Hindu minorities and ISKCON monks in Bangladesh, ISKCON Kolkata has issued safety advisories urging followers and monks to take precautions to avoid standing out. Vice-president Radharamn Das has advised practising faith discreetly and avoiding attire that identifies them as monks.

Speaking about the crisis, Das said, “I have been advising all monks and members to avoid wearing saffron clothes, tilaks, and visible sacred beads in public. It’s crucial to ensure their safety during this unrest. They should also cover their heads if possible and adopt measures to avoid being identified as monks.”

This advisory comes after reports of multiple threats and attacks on ISKCON monks in Bangladesh. Over the weekend, 63 Bangladeshi ISKCON monks were allegedly prevented from crossing into India, while others were allowed passage. “The need of the hour is to stay safe and avoid conflict,” Das added.

The tensions have escalated following the arrest of Hindu leader and ISKCON member Chinmoy Krishna Das on charges of sedition. Two of his juniors, who went to deliver medicines, were also arrested. Efforts to contact Chinmoy’s secretary have been unsuccessful, raising further concerns.

ISKCON Kolkata held special prayers on Monday at the Radha Govinda temple, seeking the release of Chinmoy Krishna Das ahead of his court appearance in Chattogram on Tuesday. Reports suggest Hindu lawyers representing him have been targeted, with one of the lead advocates severely injured in an attack.

The growing violence has put Hindu minorities and ISKCON members under tremendous pressure, highlighting the fragile situation in the region. ISKCON continues to urge its members in Bangladesh to prioritize safety and practice faith within private spaces.