[🇧🇩] ISKCON and its activities in Bangladesh

[Krishna with Flute]

ISKCON seeks apology from Mahmudur Rahman

Mahmudur had called for ISKCON to be banned at a programme at Jatiya Press Club on Monday

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ISKCON seeks apology from Mahmudur Rahman

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International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Bangladesh has demanded an apology from Mahmudur Rahman, editor of Amar Desh, over his recent calls to ban the organisation.

In a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity today, ISKCON's General Secretary Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari said that they expect Mahmudur to retract his statements and issue a public apology within a week.

"If he apologises, ISKCON will appreciate the gesture. Otherwise, we will pursue strong actions, including legal measures, against him," he added.

At a programme at Jatiya Press Club on Monday, Mahmudur had called for ISKCON to be banned.

Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari expressed concerns over the comments, describing them as "baseless threats that could harm Bangladesh's religious harmony and social unity".

"Statements like these are damaging to the country's communal peace and stability," he said.

ISKCON also addressed what it described as "misleading rumours" circulating on social media, including allegations of desecrating the national flag.

"These claims are entirely baseless. ISKCON has no flag of its own, and the flag in question is not related to ISKCON. We strictly follow Bangladesh's laws and are committed to maintaining peace and religious unity," Charu said.

ISKCON President Satya Ranjan Barai said, ''ISKCON is an international organisation that was not involved in any such incidents anywhere in the world. ISKCON is not an agent of any country's intelligence agency but works solely for the welfare of humanity.''

There may be a conspiracy behind the rumours aimed at tarnishing ISKCON's reputation both nationally and internationally, he added.​

Jihadis are doing exactly same what they did in Pakistan. Now Hindu temples and their Associates are on their Target. India should intervene now.

 

[Saif]

Jihadis are doing exactly same what they did in Pakistan. Now Hindu temples and their Associates are on their Target. India should intervene now.

Your India doesn't have the power to intervene. Please don't over estimate India's capability.

 

[Saif]

Keep calm, refrain from violence

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday condemned the murder of a lawyer in the port city of Chattogram.

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Keep calm, refrain from violence
Urges Prof Yunus; student leaders call on all to be vigilant

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday condemned the murder of a lawyer in the port city of Chattogram.

He has ordered an investigation into the killing and appropriate legal course, read a Facebook post of his Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.

The CA has urged people to keep calm and refrain from engaging in any untoward activities, it said.

He has also ordered law enforcement agencies to step up security in the port city, including in all the vulnerable neighbourhoods.

The interim government is committed to ensuring and upholding communal harmony in Bangladesh at any cost, it added.

Earlier in the day, Saiful Islam Alif, a 32-year-old lawyer was killed during a clash between police and followers of former ISKCON leader Chandan Kumar Dhar, alias Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, in the Chattogram Court Building area.

On his verified Facebook page, Information Adviser Nahid Islam said that the killers of Saiful would face strict punishment.

''Since the beginning, the interim government has sincerely considered the demands of the minority communities. However, Chinmoy Krishna Das has been trying to create communal divisions by delivering false and provocative speeches at various meetings and rallies.''

"Despite being charged with sedition, Chinmoy Krishna continued to hold meetings without taking any legal action. The primary goal of such activities was to attract global media attention and portray Bangladesh and the July uprising in a negative way. Indian media has consistently engaged in such false propaganda."

Terming the killing of a lawyer at Chattogram court premises as unprecedented, Nahid said Chinmoy was planning to disrupt harmony in the country and had created a group of criminal supporters.

"The fascist Awami League has always sought to engage in communal politics by exploiting minority communities. Now, Indian media is also spreading false propaganda..."

Nahid said the Hindu community are citizens of Bangladesh, and the government would ensure their security.

"However, the Bangladesh government will ensure the maximum legal punishment for the subversive Hindu terrorists."

Nahid urged the people of the country to remain patient and calm, saying that the criminals would soon be arrested.

DON'T BE FOOLED BY CONSPIRATORS: HASNAT

Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, urged people across the country to remain calm.

"Please stay patient and calm. Do not take the law into your own hands or create any kind of unstable environment,'' Hasnat said this in his verified Facebook post yesterday.

"Our Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony. We will not allow anyone to disrupt this harmony under any circumstances.

"Since August 5, a certain group has been deliberately conspiring to create chaos in our country. Please do not get involved in internal conflicts and inadvertently pave the way for these conspirators to realise their heinous plans."

In his Facebook post, Hasnat Abdullah demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of Saiful's killers.

In a separate Facebook post yesterday, Hasnat called upon all stakeholders of the July uprising to remain vigilant and form "Night Watch Teams" in their localities.

"We seek the cooperation of the general public to ensure that no one can exploit the country's instability to carry out destructive attacks on our minority brothers and sisters.''

Hasnat said, ''We will always remain vocal in safeguarding the July uprising, protecting the sovereignty of our country, and ensuring the safety of the general populace.''

Meanwhile, in a separate Facebook post, Sarjis Alam, general secretary of July Shaheed Smrity Foundation, said if any individual, terrorist group, or organisation attempts to incite communal riots using religion as a "tool", strict measures must be taken against them.

He said, "Whoever is involved, we demand the highest punishment for murder. No leniency for conspirators. Too much leniency will embolden them."

Sarjis also emphasised that extremism should be judged not by religion but by the act of extremism itself.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has announced a mourning and solidarity rally for Advocate Saiful at the Central Shaheed Minar at 2:00pm today.​

 

[Saif]

Arrest of Chinmoy: Lawyer killed amid clashes in Chattogram

The deceased, 32-year-old Saiful Islam, is a member of Chattogram District Bar Association

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Arrest of Chinmoy: Lawyer killed amid clashes in Chattogram

​

• Chinmoy followers clash with police and lawyers​
• Slain lawyer was an assistant public prosecutor​
• Lawyers to be on strike in Chattogram today​

A lawyer was killed during clashes between police and followers of former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in the Chattogram Court Building area yesterday.

The clashes that left at least 10 people injured began shortly before midday when a court sent Chinmoy to jail, rejecting his bail plea in a sedition case.

The deceased, 32-year-old Saiful Islam, was a member of Chattogram District Bar Association.

Citing eyewitnesses, Nazim Uddin Chowdhury, president of Chattogram District Bar Association, said some people protesting over Chimoy's arrest hacked Saiful to death in front of the main gate of the court premises around 3:30pm. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at Chittagong Medical College Hospital around 4:00pm.

Mohammad Didar, an employee of Golam Rasul Market, who along with some other locals rescued Saiful and took him to the hospital, told The Daily Star, "Some Chinmoy followers hacked the lawyer on the road next to Rangam Convention Hall."

CMCH director Taslim Uddin told AFP, "He had deep injuries on his head."

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has condemned the murder of the lawyer and ordered an investigation and appropriate legal course.

BAIL REJECTED, CLASH

Chinmoy was taken to the court around 10:30am. Metropolitan Magistrate Kazi Shariful Islam sent him to jail, rejecting the prayer for his bail after over an hour-long hearing.

Following the court order, lawyers who support him and his followers burst into protests outside the courtroom and stopped the prison van that was taking Chinmoy to jail. They also punctured a tire of the vehicle.

Chinmoy was heard calling upon his followers to remain calm from inside the bus.

"We are not against the state and the government. We, the Sanatanis, are a part of the state.... We will not do anything to destabilise the state and destroy peaceful coexistence. We will hold a peaceful protest by controlling our emotions and turning them into strength," he said.

At 2:50pm, members of the BGB and police fired several stun grenades and charged batons to disperse the demonstrators. Chinmoy's supporters hurled flower pots and brick chips towards police.

Police had to take Chinmoy to the jail in another vehicle, said CMP's Deputy Commissioner Rais Uddin.

Several cars, motorcycles, and a lawyer's chamber were vandalised on the ground floor of the Court Building Masjid Complex, said police and eyewitnesses.

Chattogram District Bar Association announced that lawyers will be on strike today to protest the murder, said Nazim Uddin Chowdhury.

Around 4:00pm, a group of lawyers began marching denouncing the vandalism and hurled brickbats towards Chinmoy's supporters.

Police later brought the situation under control.

Chinmoy, spokesperson for Sammilita Sanatani Jagaran Jote, was arrested at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Monday.

On October 31, a case was filed against him and 18 others in Chattogram on charges of disrespecting the national flag.

The Jote issued a statement last night, stating the group that killed the lawyer was trying to shift the blame on Hindus.

It demanded a judicial probe into the killing. If an investigation is carried out in collaboration with international organisations such as the United Nations and other human rights organisations, the facts will come out.

"We believe in peaceful programmes and are committed to maintaining the stability," it said.

Kanchan Acharjee, a central leader of the Jote, told The Daily Star that those who killed the lawyer must be brought to book.

Many people of the Hindu community gathered on the court premises and peacefully demonstrated for Chinmoy's release, he said.

But law enforcers attacked and dispersed them, he said, adding that the news of the lawyer's death came later.

"We have no idea who killed him," Kanchan said.

CHINMOY ARRESTED FOR SEDITION: ASIF

Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan yesterday said Chinmoy was arrested as someone accused of sedition, not as a leader of a community.

"The government will take strict action against any act of sedition that threatens the sovereignty and independence of Bangladesh. Let it be clear to all: no one, regardless of their position or influence, will be spared if involved in such activities," he said during an event.

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said, "There are many parties with vested interests that may be behind this. The parties which are banned might also be involved. No matter who, stern action will be taken in this regard."

ATTACKS, PROTESTS

At the Dhakeshwari temple in the capital, Sumon Kumar Roy, one of the Jote leaders, said attacks on several temples and chambers of Hindu lawyers have been reported in Chattogram.

Earlier in the day, Jagaran Jote demonstrated in Thakurgaon and Dinajpur in protest at the court decision to reject Chinmoy's bail petition.

Bangladesh Nationalist Lawyers' Forum has announced a demonstration at 1:00pm today in the Supreme Court as well as in all district bar associations across the country, in protest at the murder.

In Bandarban, pro-BNP lawyers, Jamaat, and Shibir announced they would demonstrate today against the killing.

Meanwhile, Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman condemned Saiful's murder, referring to him as a "beloved party member".

He demanded strict legal action against those involved.

Shafiqur also urged people not to take the law into their own hands under any circumstances.

"A certain group, siding with a fallen autocrat, is continuously conspiring and attempting to destabilise Bangladesh. Through provocations, they aim to create unrest. Just as their attempts have failed in the past, they will fail again in the future, Insha'Allah."​

 

[Saif]

Chinmoy arrested for sedition, not as community leader: Asif Mahmud

He stressed that law enforcement agencies act in national security interest, without communal bias

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Chinmoy arrested for sedition, not as community leader: Asif Mahmud

Photo: Star

Adviser to the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Local Government, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, today clarified that Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari has been arrested on charges of sedition, not as a leader of any community.

He made the remarks during an event at Paotana College field in Rangpur's Pirgachha upazila, where winter clothing was distributed to underprivileged families.

"The government will take strict action against any act of sedition that threatens the sovereignty and independence of Bangladesh. Let it be clear to all: no one, regardless of their position or influence, will be spared if involved in such activities," Asif said.

He stressed that law enforcement agencies act in the interest of national security, without any communal bias.

Touching on development disparities, Asif said, "In the past, development in the country was concentrated in areas tied to prime ministers and ministers. We aim to eliminate such inequality and ensure nationwide progress."

Referring to the historic 2024 mass uprising, he said, "The uprising emerged from people's dreams of an equitable democracy. The platform from which it arose remains significant. We sought a democracy free from discrimination."

On Rangpur's development, the adviser said, "During Sheikh Hasina's tenure, districts like Gopalganj have seen significant progress, while others faced neglect. Rangpur will no longer be subjected to such disparities. Special attention will be given to Rangpur in the national budget."

He also mentioned plans to improve union parishad services through alternative arrangements.

Later, nearly 600 winter garments and blankets were distributed to vulnerable families. Relatives of those martyred in the 2024 uprising shared their stories of hardship during the event.

Following the programme, Asif Mahmud visited the proposed site for a bridge over the Teesta River at Panialen Ghat, connecting Rangpur's Pirgachha and Kurigram's Ulipur. Hundreds of locals gathered at the site to demand the construction of the bridge.

Additionally, the adviser inaugurated the newly constructed Pirgachha Upazila Parishad building.​

 

[Saif]

ISKCON issues: Internal, external factors may be at play, says home boss

Warns of vested interests behind the scenario, assures action

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ISKCON issues: Internal, external factors may be at play, says home boss
Warns of vested interests behind the scenario, assures action

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury suggested today that both internal and external influences could be linked to the recent issues surrounding ISKCON.

Speaking to journalists in Sylhet after a meeting with government officials, he said, "There are many parties with vested interests that may be behind the scenario. Additionally, banned groups might also have involvement. Regardless of who is responsible, strict action will be taken."

On the recent student clashes in the capital, Lt Gen Chowdhury stated, "Discussions with the students have yielded positive outcomes. They are like family to us, and we cannot afford to be harsh. They understood the situation and found a solution through dialogue."

Addressing concerns over cases filed after August 5, the adviser acknowledged reports of misconduct. "It is true that many false and retaliatory cases were filed, and some people profited from these cases. However, we are taking steps to ensure that no innocent individuals face harassment," he assured.​

 

[Saif]

Stay calm, don't be fooled by conspirators: Hasnat Abdullah

Sarjis Alam says if any individual, terrorist group, or organisation attempts to incite communal riots using religion as a "tool", strict measures must be taken against them

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Stay calm, don't be fooled by conspirators: Hasnat Abdullah

Hasnat Abdullah, left, and Sarjis Alam

Hasnat Abdullah, the convener of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has urged the people across the country to remain calm.

He said, "Please stay patient and calm. Do not take the law into your own hands or create any kind of unstable environment.''

Hasnat said this in his verified Facebook post today. He said, "Our Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony. We will not allow anyone to disrupt this harmony under any circumstances."

He further added, "Since August 5, a certain group has been deliberately conspiring to create chaos in our country. Please do not get involved in internal conflicts and inadvertently pave the way for these conspirators to realise their heinous plans."

Earlier, Saiful Islam, a 32 year old lawyer was killed during a clash between police and followers of former ISKCON leader Chandan Kumar Dhar, alias Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, in the Chattogram Court Building area today.

In his Facebook post, Hasnat Abdullah demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of Saiful's killers.

Calling on everyone to remain calm, vigilant, and patient, he also urged that if any specific organisation is found involved in this murder, action must be taken against that organisation as well.

Meanwhile, in a separate Facebook post, Sarjis Alam, general secretary of July Shaheed Smrity Foundation, said if any individual, terrorist group, or organisation attempts to incite communal riots using religion as a "tool", strict measures must be taken against them.

He said, "Whoever is involved, we demand the highest punishment for murder. No leniency for conspirators. Too much leniency will embolden them."

Sarjis also emphasised that extremism should be judged not by religion but by the act of extremism itself.​

 

[Saif]

Pro-BNP lawyers announce protest over Ctg lawyer's murder

The Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Ainjibi Forum (BJAF), a platform of pro-BNP lawyers, has announced a protest programme following the murder of advocate Saiful Islam Alif

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Pro-BNP lawyers announce protest over Ctg lawyer's murder

The Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Ainjibi Forum (BJAF), a platform of pro-BNP lawyers, has announced a protest programme following the murder of advocate Saiful Islam Alif.

The forum's central committee President senior advocate Zainul Abedin, and its Gecretary General Barrister Kayser Kamal demanded the "immediate arrest of those responsible for the killing", said a press release issued today.

As part of the protest, a rally will be held tomorrow at 1:00pm at the Supreme Court Bar Association.

The BJAF leadership has also urged all district bar associations across the country to organise similar programmes at the same time at their respective locations.


​

 

[Saif]

India's statement 'contrary to spirit of friendship'

Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Dhaka committed to upholding communal harmony in the country

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India's statement 'contrary to spirit of friendship'
Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Dhaka committed to upholding communal harmony in the country

India's statement following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a former ISKCON leader based in Chattogram, not only misrepresent facts but also stands contrary to the spirit of friendship and understanding between the two neighbouring countries, said Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in a statement tonight.

"It is with utter dismay and a deep sense of hurt that the Government of Bangladesh notes that the arrest of Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das has been misconstrued by certain quarters since Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das has been arrested on specific charges," said MOFA.

The Mofa statement said the MEA statement does not reflect the harmony that exists among the peoples of all faiths and the commitment and efforts of the government and the people in this regard.

Police arrested Chinmoy in Dhaka on Monday on charges of disrespecting Bangladesh's national flag in Chattogram's New Market area during a rally of the Hindu community on October 25.

Earlier in the day, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement, expressing concern over the arrest and denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das, spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatan Jagaran Jote.

It said it has noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of Chinmoy, which follows the "multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements" in Bangladesh.

The MEA said there are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities' homes and business establishments, as well as theft vandalism and desecration of deities and temples.

"It is unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, charges should be pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings."

India notes with concern the attacks on minorities protesting peacefully against the arrest of Shri Das, it said, urging Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression.

Earlier, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said the Indian media reports on the attacks on minorities in Bangladesh were an exaggeration.

In the statement issued today, MoFA said the Bangladesh government took note of the MEA statement on a matter concerning the internal affairs of Bangladesh.

"It [MEA statement] also completely disregards that the Government of Bangladesh is determined to conclusively end the culture of impunity to the perpetrators of gross human rights violations against the people of Bangladesh, thus treating the religious majority and minorities alike."

It said Bangladesh reaffirms in the strongest terms that every Bangladeshi, regardless of his or her religious identity, has the right to establish, maintain or perform respective religious rituals and practices or express views without hindrance.

"Ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, particularly the members of religious minorities remains a duty of the Government of Bangladesh. This was yet again vindicated by the peaceful observance of Durga Puja throughout Bangladesh only last month."

Bangladesh's government reiterated that the country's judiciary is fully independent and does not interfere in the judiciary's work. The matter under question is currently being dealt with by the court of law.

It is also committed to upholding communal harmony in the country, the MoFA said.

It expressed deep concern over the brutal killing of Advocate Saiful Islam Alif this afternoon in Chattogram and said authorities have stepped up security in the port city to ensure that religious harmony is maintained at any cost.​

 

[Saif]

People involved in sedition won’t be spared: Asif Mahmud

Local government, rural development and co-operatives adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain has said efforts are on to create an unstable situation in the country centering an arrest on Monday.

en.prothomalo.com

People involved in sedition won’t be spared: Asif Mahmud
Staff Correspondent
Rangpur
Published: 26 Nov 2024, 20: 26

Asif Mahmud Captured from television

Local government, rural development and co-operatives adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain has said efforts are on to create an unstable situation in the country centering an arrest on Monday.

"I want to clarify that if anyone is involved in sedition, then that person won’t be spared no matter what his or her identity is. It has nothing to do with ethnicity. The law enforcement agencies will take action considering the security threat for the country," the adviser warned.

Asif Mahmud said this in reference to the arrest of Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatan Jagaran Jote spokesperson and Pundarik Dham principal Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari while speaking to newspersons after attending an event in Pirgachha of Rangpur.

He said, “The government will definitely take stern actions in case of any interference on the sovereignty of the country or any attack on it or any action that undermines the state or in cases of sedition. However, it must be ensured that no one suffers over ethnicity and political affiliations.”

In response to another question, Asif Mahmud said, “You have seen how marginal people were lured to Dhaka for loans in an effort to create instability. That attempt was foiled by the law enforcement agencies and the students. The convener of Ahinsha Bangladesh, the platform which planned this conspiracy, has been arrested for questioning.

Asked if the government has any plan to remove the union parishad chairmen, the local government adviser said, “They are to remain in the post until there is an alternative. The union parishads carry out several public services. This is why structure still exists. We will take a decision regarding this after creating an option quickly.”

Earlier, Asif Mahmud reached Pirgachha around 10:00 am in the morning. Later, he joined an event to distribute winter clothes among the destitute at the Paonahat College premises in Pirgachha.

Addressing the event the adviser said, “We should not forget who sacrificed their lives or got injured in the hope of building a new Bangladesh during the mass uprising in July and August. The government has announced to provide Tk 3 million to each family of the victim as compensation and it will be implemented. The government will also give them jobs. We will ensure that the Bangladesh government remains beside them as long as they live.”

He also stressed on equity in terms of development work saying it would ensure that Rangpur and the northern part of the country see the same level of development as the other districts of the country.

Among the others who addressed the event are - acting secretary of the Local Government Division Nazrul Islam, Rangpur deputy commissioner (DC) Mohammad Rabiul Faisal, superintendent of police (SP) in Mohammad Sharif Uddin, superintendent engineer of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) Rangpur region Anisul Wahab Khan, Pirgachha upazila nirbahi officer Md Nazmul Haque and general secretary of Rangpur Reporters Club and Rangpur Journalists Union Sarkar Mazharul Mannan.

Besides, family members of mass uprising martyrs Ranju Mia, Saiful Islam and Mamun Mia also addressed the programme.​