Bangladesh immigration authorities on Sunday turned back 54 members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) attempting to cross into India via the Benapole border checkpoint. Despite possessing valid travel documents, the group was denied entry due to what officials termed “suspicious travel.”

The group, comprising Hindu devotees from various parts of Bangladesh, had reached the land port on Saturday. They intended to visit India for religious rituals but were held at the checkpoint overnight before being turned away on Sunday. "We were going to participate in a religious ceremony in India, but immigration officials stopped us, citing the absence of government permission," Saurabh Tapandar Cheli, one of the ISKCON members, told The Daily Star.

Benapole Immigration Checkpost Officer-in-Charge (OC) Imtiaz Ahsanul Quader Bhuiya explained the decision followed consultations with the Special Branch of Police and instructions from higher authorities. "They were not allowed to proceed due to concerns over their travel purposes," Bhuiya was quoted as saying. However, he declined to elaborate on the specific suspicions regarding the group’s travel plans.

The incident adds to the unease surrounding the safety of religious minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh. The country has seen a rise in violence against minorities, including attacks on temples, homes, and businesses.

Last week, the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote and an ISKCON affiliate, further heightened fears among the Hindu community. Indian authorities have voiced concerns over these developments.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India called for greater protection of minorities in Bangladesh, urging the government to safeguard their rights to peaceful assembly and expression. “We have consistently and strongly raised the issue of targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities with the Bangladesh government,” the MEA stated.

Additionally, India has highlighted a troubling rise in “extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence, and provocation” in Bangladesh, urging immediate action to address the situation.

This latest episode at the border reflects the ongoing challenges faced by minority communities in the region, underscoring the need for regional cooperation to ensure religious freedom and safety.