Bangladesh's immigration police on Sunday turned back 54 members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) who possessed valid travel documents and wanted to cross into

Bangladesh immigration authorities barred 54 ISKCON monks from entering India despite having valid visas, citing a lack of government approval.

According to officials, those trying to cross the Benapole border did not have the required documents to proceed

"We strongly protest such arrests and appeal to the Bangladesh government to give protection to minorities,” claimed Radharamn Das, the vice-president and spokesperson of ISKCON.

Dozens of ISKCON members who possessed valid travel documents were turned back on Sunday by Bangladesh's immigration police from Benapole border crossing when they tried to cross into India, a media report said.

Authorities said Bangladesh barred the ISKCON monks from entering India after receiving instructions from ‘higher authorities’.

Bangladesh's immigration authorities at the Benapole border denied entry to 54 Iskcon members despite valid documents, citing the absence of specific government approval. This follows heightened scrutiny of Iskcon amidst the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das and subsequent tension and protests among Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.

Immigration police in Bangladesh stopped dozens of ISKCON members from crossing into India despite valid passports and visas. Authorities cited the absence of specific government permission required for their travel.