[🇧🇩] ISKCON and its activities in Bangladesh

[Bilal9]

Demands from every quarter are rolling in into Bangladesh govt. to ban ISKCON, and not just from Islamic political orgs. The govt. must now decide what path to take in order to avoid riots and unrest.

 

[Saif]

3 more detained amid countywide protests

The police on Friday detained three more suspects amid protests in Dhaka and elsewhere over the killing of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif in Chattogram city and clashes with the law enforcers over the arrest of...

www.newagebd.net

3 more detained amid countywide protests
Staff Correspondent 29 November, 2024, 23:58

Interreligious Harmony Parishad, Bangladesh holds a harmony rally at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka on Friday. | New Age photo

The police on Friday detained three more suspects amid protests in Dhaka and elsewhere over the killing of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif in Chattogram city and clashes with the law enforcers over the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a leader of an organisation of the Hindus.

Also on the day, a number of organisations, including Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, held countrywide protests, demanding arrest of the lawyer’s killers and banning the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, widely known as ISKCON.

The police have tightened security of temples in Chattogram amid attacks on three Hindu temples in the port city and remained on alert at courts across the country to avoid any untoward incident. They have also said that they are on high alert in the capital.

Amid the situation the minority issue is increasingly becoming a sore point between Bangladesh and India.

Quoting Kotwali police officer-in-charge Md Abdul Karim, New Age staff correspondent in Chattogram reported that the police detained three people in the Bakalia area of Chattogram city on Thursday night.

The detainees are Babla Dhar, 42, son of the late Sunil Dhar from Kalamia Bazar in the city; Sajal Shil, 40, son of Dulal Shil of Ashiya Hindupara in the city; and Durlav Das.

The police said that Durlav Das was identified from video footage as being in possession of a sharp weapon during the murder.

Police officer Abdul Karim said, ‘Among the three detainees, one was directly involved in the lawyer’s murder and was armed with a sharp weapon.’

‘All three have been sent to jail this morning after being produced before the court in a case related to the attack on law enforcement personnel,’ he said.

He further added that no murder case had yet been filed by the family of lawyer Saiful Islam killed on November 26.

The situation was tense after miscreants had vandalised three Hindu temples at Patharghata in the port city on Friday. Two of the temples, Sri Sri Radha Govinda temple and Sri Sri Shantaneshwari Matri Mandir are on Ashraf Ali Road near Jelepara, and Sri Sri Jagatbandhu Ashram is adjacent to Satish Babu Lane.

Additional deputy commissioner for public relations of the Chattogram Metropolitan Police Kazi Md Tarek Aziz said that additional police forces were deployed at the three temples after the attacks had sparked tension. Police patrols were also intensified, he added.

In the capital, Dhaka Metropolitan Police spokesperson Muhammad Talebur Rahman told New Age that they were on alert to prevent any untoward situation.

Earlier on Thursday, Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed expressed deep concern over the recent security breaches at courts across the country, describing the incidents as ‘rare,’ ‘unprecedented’ and ‘alarming.’

He emphasised urgent measures to ensure the safety and security of judicial premises, judges and court officials.

Various organisations, including Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, meanwhile on the day, held protests across the country after Jumma prayers and demanded a ban on ISKCON.

Hefazat leaders and activists held a protest rally in Dhaka, demanding a ban on ISKCON, and another in Chattogram, protesting at lawyer Saiful’s killing.

Its Dhaka city unit arranged the protest rally and a procession at the north gate of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram in which several thousand people joined.

‘A well-planned attempt is being made to destabilise Bangladesh and instigate a communal riot in the country,’ said Hefazat leader Mamunul Haque at the rally, condemning the murder of the lawyer.

Hefazat leaders also said that the country’s defeated forces were using a section of Hindus to create chaos and anarchy and as part of that ISKCON was carrying out a malicious campaign.

They urged people to stay vigilant against what they described as ‘communal provocations orchestrated by the fallen fascist regime and their masters.’

Hefazat-e-Islam in Chattogram also announced a long march of protest towards the Indian Embassy in the port city, scheduled for next Monday. Its joint secretary general Mufti Harun Izhar announced the programme.

After Friday prayers, Hefazat supporters marched from Jamiatul Falah Mosque, passing through WASA intersection and GEC areas before concluding at 2 No Gate.

Mufti Harun Izhar told the rally, ‘We will stage a peaceful long march towards the Indian High Commissioner’s office at 11:00am on Monday. No one will create unrest or throw stones during the programme.’

He added, ‘Our representatives will submit a memorandum on behalf of the “towhidi janata” to the embassy.’

On November 25, former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was arrested in Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport area. The next day, a Chattogram court denied him bail and sent him to jail.

Clashes broke out when his followers blocked the prison van taking Chinmoy to jail, leading to the killing of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif on the court premises.

Protests have since erupted in various districts, demanding justice for the murder and proscription of the ISKCON.​

 

[Saif]

BNP will not accept anarchy in names of ISKCON, religion: Fakhrul

Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said that his party will not accept any anarchy in the name of ISKCON or religion in the country.

www.newagebd.net

BNP will not accept anarchy in names of ISKCON, religion: Fakhrul
Staff Correspondent 29 November, 2024, 21:25

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir | File photo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said that his party will not accept any anarchy in the name of ISKCON or religion in the country.

Referring to the incident of killing lawyer Saiful Islam Alif in Chattogram, he said, ‘I am scared when we see a lawyer get killed in the name of ISKCON and religion when we are dreaming about a new Bangladesh.’

His statement came while he was addressing a student convention programme arranged by Thakurgaon Chhatra Parishad in Dhaka, at the auditorium of Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in the capital.

He also said, ‘I would be happy if the anti-discrimination students came out on the streets, protesting such incidents.’

Fakhrul said that the fascists from across the border were trying to prove Bangladesh a fundamentalist country in the eyes of the world by hatching new conspiracies. And the media of neighbouring countries is assisting in these plots.

He called on the student community to remain vigilant against any plots to snatch the victory achieved by Bangladesh.

He said, ‘We all have to be vigilant so that the country does not fall into darkness again.’

Saying that ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina had to flee the country, the BNP secretary general said that her example should be publicised more and more to spread the message that those who practised the politics of killing would have to face the fate as she did.

Referring to the recent incidents of clashes in some colleges in Dhaka, Fakhrul said that these incidents were the result of a conspiracy and were in no way acceptable.

‘We achieved a great victory through a bloody movement, and we do not want to lose the victory,’ he said.

At other event on the day, the party’s standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan urged all political parties to unite and fight against fascism.

Nazrul gave the call while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion arranged by Bangladesh Khalafat Andolan marking its 43rd founding anniversary at the National Press Club in Dhaka.

‘Those who are fighting against fascism in Bangladesh must unite. It is not possible to defeat fascism without a united fight,’ Nazrul said.

‘We have a responsibility to restore democracy in the country. The blood sacrifice of those who gave their lives for democracy cannot be dishonoured,’ he said.

The BNP leader also said, ‘The responsibility of an interim government is to arrange fair elections in which the opinions of the people will be accurately reflected.’

Nazrul further said that starting from the 1952 language movement to the 1990 anti-dictatorship movement, people had shed blood, but time and time again they endured one-party rule, military dictatorship, and the murder of democracy.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness, widely known as ISKCON, is a Hindu religious organisation with centres across the world, including Bangladesh. Its name has come to the forefront after one of its former member Chinmoy Krishna Das has recently been arrested in a sedition case.​

 

[Sharma Ji]

Haven't kept up with too much news apart from forums these past few.

I was wondering if our jihadidi momota has had any to say on the matter.

 

[Sharma Ji]

mashallah !

she has indeed !

Mamata Banerjee condemns arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh, ‘will support Centre’s decision’

The West Bengal Chief Minister was speaking at a winter state assembly session on Thursday

indianexpress.com

'We are with Centre on this': Mamata Banerjee on Iskcon priest's arrest in Bangladesh | India News - Times of India

India News: Mamata Banerjee condemned the arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das. Das was arrested in Bangladesh. India expressed concern over the treatment

timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Mamata Banerjee on ISKCON leader’s arrest in Bangladesh: Will support Centre’s decision

Mamata Banerjee reacts to attack on Bangladeshi Hindus: Expressed concern but preferred not to comment as it pertains to another country.

www.thehindu.com

 

[Saif]

Ousted Bangladesh PM hiding in India says Chinmoy arrested unjustly

Bangladesh’s deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said that Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was ‘unjustly arrested’ and must be released immediately, Hindustan Times...

www.newagebd.net

Ousted Bangladesh PM hiding in India says Chinmoy arrested unjustly
New Age Desk 29 November, 2024, 00:56

Sheikh Hasina. | File photo

Bangladesh’s deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said that Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was ‘unjustly arrested’ and must be released immediately, Hindustan Times reported on Thursday.

She also asked the Bangladesh government to protect religious and national minorities that braved violence since her ouster from power on August 5.

‘A top leader of the Sanatan Dharma community has been unjustly arrested, he must be released immediately. Temples have been burnt in Chittagong. In the past, mosques, shrines, churches, monasteries and houses of the Ahmadiyya community had been attacked, vandalised, looted and set on fire. Religious freedom and security of life and property of people of all communities must be ensured,’ the Awami League posted Hasina’s statement on X as mentioned in the report available online.

‘After the killing of countless Awami League leaders, activists, students, the public and members of the law enforcement agencies, harassment through attacks, cases and arrests is going on. I strongly condemn and protest at these anarchist actions,’ she added.

After Sheikh Hasina fled to India on August 5 amid a student-led mass uprising, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been heading the interim government in Bangladesh since August 8.

Hasina also protested against killing of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif on the Chattogram court premises, according to the report.

‘A lawyer was killed in Chittagong. I strongly protest at this murder. Those involved in this murder must be found and punished quickly. Human rights have been grossly violated through this incident. A lawyer went to perform his professional duties, and those who beat him to death in this way are miscreants. Whoever they are, they must be punished,’ she said, the report added.

‘If the Yunus government, which seized power unconstitutionally, fails to punish these miscreants, it will also have to face punishment for violating human rights. I appeal to the countrymen to stand united against this kind of terrorism and militancy. It is important to ensure the safety of the lives and property of the common people,’ she added, the report mentions.

The lawyer was killed and 25 others were injured during a clash between followers of spokesperson of Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote and former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das and law enforcement agencies on the Chattogram court premises on November 26 over sending Chinmoy to jail in a sedition case.​

 

[Saif]

Police say 25-30 people involved in killing lawyer Saiful

Eight suspects have already been arrested, and a manhunt is underway to nab the other attackers.

en.prothomalo.com

Police say 25-30 people involved in killing lawyer Saiful
Staff Correspondent
Chattogram
Published: 29 Nov 2024, 17: 01

Lawyer Saiful IslamFile photo

A man, dressed in a white shirt and black pants, was lying motionless on the street, while some 25-30 young men were surrounding him. One, wearing an orange T-shirt, black pants, and a grey helmet, began hacking the man on the ground with a sharp weapon, and another three to four cohorts joined the attack.

The was the scene of the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam in Chattogram on Tuesday. The police collected the 52-second footage as part of its investigation into the incident. The man who hacked the lawyer with a sharp weapon has been identified as Chandan Das.

According to the police, 25 to 30 people participated in the attack, while four were directly involved in hacking Saiful. Eight suspects have already been arrested, and a manhunt is underway to nab the other attackers. Also, seven more people have been arrested for their suspected involvement in attacks on the police.

The violence erupted after the Chattogram court rejected the bail plea of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson of the Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, around 12:30 pm on the day. When he boarded the prison van, his supporters blocked the way and staged a protest there. The police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members used batons and sound grenades to disperse them, which led to clashes.

A group of lawyers brought out a rally in protest against the vandalism of vehicles and attacks. Multiple witnesses said while returning from the procession, Saiful Islam stumbled and fell. The armed individuals then hacked him to death.

52-second video

The police have collected a 52-second video of the brutal attack. According to officers associated with the investigation, Chandan Das, Om Das and Ranab hacked Saiful with sharp weapons, while the others continued beating him even after he turned motionless. Some 25-30 people were present there during the incident.

Among them, Ramit Das, Sumit Das, Gagan Das, Nayan Das, Vishal Das, Aman Das, Manu Methar, and Rajib Bhattacharya were arrested in the immediate night. They mostly work as cleaners, while one is a private university law student.

Residents of the Sebak Colony, which is home to the attackers, have mostly been at large since the incident. A number of people were seen there while visiting the area in the afternoon on Thursday. They, on the condition of anonymity, told Prothom Alo that they all are now suffering, though only a few were involved with the incident. They demanded that the authorities harass no innocent individual.

The officer-in-charge of Kotwali police station, Fazlul Quader Chowdhury, said through the video footage and interrogation of the arrestees, they came to know about the involvement of 25-30 individuals in the murder. They have mostly been identified. The police have already arrested eight and are conducting drives to detain the others.

Regarding the attackers' potential political affiliations, the OC said they are yet to be confirmed, but are still looking into the issue.

Meanwhile, seven others were arrested in three cases involving attacks on the police. They are – Rajib, Boby Chowdhury, Abdul Kaium, Kowshik Chowdhury, Abir Dey, Robin Das, and Jewel Das. With this, the number of arrestees for attacks on the police reached 35.

According to the police, the family of Saiful Islam is preparing to file a murder case, but no case had been lodged until last night.

Question over the police’s role

The district bar association's president, Nazim Uddin Chowdhury, raised questions over the role of the police during the incident. At a demonstration programme at the court premises on Thursday, he alleged that the incidents were actually instigated by the police.

He questioned why the police were inactive when Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was taken into the prison van, why he was kept on the road for three hours, and why he was given a handmike to deliver a speech.

The lawyer drew the attention of the police commissioner to look into the incidents. Also, he threatened to besiege the prison if the authorities do not withdraw the special privileges for Chinmoy inside the prison.

In this regard, Kazi Tarek Aziz, additional commissioner of the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP), told Prothom Alo that the policemen dealt with the situation with utmost professionalism and patience. He denied any negligence in discharging their duties on the day.​

 

[Krishna with Flute]

You think Bangladesh govt. will ask India before banning a militant Hindutva outfit responsible for killings and unrest?

Their country - their rules.

If they do not ask, they will repent. I know Yunus is a puppet of radical Islamist of BD. Radical Islamist can dictate the term to him and he will do that to save his chair which he has illegitimately got by ousting elected P.M. However, if he does that, whole BD will pay the price.

 

[Saif]

If they do not ask, they will repent. I know Yunus is a puppet of radical Islamist of BD. Radical Islamist can dictate the term to him and he will do that to save his chair which he has illegitimately got by ousting elected P.M. However, if he does that, whole BD will pay the price.

Don't put too much faith in the power of beggar India. If we cancel the free transit deal your north east will experience famine in no time. We are not alone. We have powerful friends like China with us.

 

[Vsdoc]

We are not alone. We have powerful friends like China with us.

This is the force-injected DNA of your Punjabi west Pakistani great grandaddies speaking.

Ditto.

Surreal.

 

[Saif]

This is the force-injected DNA of your Punjabi west Pakistani great grandaddies speaking.

Ditto.

Surreal.

A sh1tty response from a guy of a nation of open defecation.

 

[Vsdoc]

A sh1tty response from a guy of a nation of open defecation.

Great grandfathers and great grandsons.

Separated by a Hindu continent.

Very sad.

Dukh hua.

 

[Saif]

Great grandfathers and great grandsons.

Separated by a Hindu continent.

Very sad.

Dukh hua.

A guy from a nation of open defecation having chronic constipation.

 

[Bilal9]

Rangpur is abuzz with the rhetoric and noise of the leaders of Puja Udjapan Parishad (Puja organizing committee) and Hindu-Buddhist Oikya Parishad (Hindu-Buddhist Unity committee) with the International Society of Krishna Consciousness-ISKCON at the exchange meeting on the issue of minority persecution. Muslim leaders from Hefazat and Jamaat were also present.

ISKCON leaders claimed that minority torture has happened in Rangpur. And the Puja Udjapan Parishad and the Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Parishad say that there was no incident of minority (Hindu) persecution in Rangpur. There was open screaming matches between the conveners on both sides of these Hindu orgs.

Most of the Sanatani orgs (other than ISKCON) also vehemently reiterated that ISKCON is not the representative of the Hindu community at large in Bangladesh.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Don't put too much faith in the power of beggar India. If we cancel the free transit deal your north east will experience famine in no time. We are not alone. We have powerful friends like China with us.

I think Pakistan has batter friendship with China than BD. Ask your Pakistani friends how much help they received in 4 war/Conflicts of Pakistan India. When we liberated your country way 5 decades back, US had sent its seventh fleet to help Pakistan. We created BD in spite of that. Your problem is that your eyes are not on History.

For your information, China is too weak country to mess with India so far as Bay of Bengal, Indian ocean or Arabian sea is concern. They tried to do gimmick in Doklam and Galwan to release the pressure from sea but they were forced to retreat from both the places.