[🇧🇩] ISKCON and its activities in Bangladesh

[Saif]

‘Ban ISKCON, arrest Advocate Alif’s killers in 24 hours’: Hasnat Abdullah

Hasnat Abdullah, the convener of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement, has demanded a ban on ISKCON as a “terrorist organization" and called for the immediate arrest — within 24 hours — of those responsible for the death of Advocate Saiful Islam Alif during yesterday’s c

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

‘Ban ISKCON, arrest Advocate Alif’s killers in 24 hours’: Hasnat Abdullah
UNB
Published :
Nov 27, 2024 20:15
Updated :
Nov 27, 2024 20:15

Hasnat Abdullah, the convener of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement, has demanded a ban on ISKCON as a “terrorist organization" and called for the immediate arrest — within 24 hours — of those responsible for the death of Advocate Saiful Islam Alif during yesterday’s clash in Chattogram City.

He made these remarks while speaking at the mourning rally organised after the funeral of Advocate Alif at the Tiger Pass intersection in the city on Wednesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Hasnat said, “We have not forgotten how ISKCON grew under the patronage of the Awami League over the last 16 years, and today, as a terrorist organisation, it is creating unrest in Bangladesh under India’s prescription by becoming an ally to fascism.”

“We want to say clearly, Indian bubu (sister)… Indian Hasina, you will no longer have a place in Bangladesh. No matter how many conspiracies are hatched in India, we, every person in Bangladesh, will defeat them,” he added.

He emphasised unity among people of all faiths and said extremist groups using religion for violence would not be tolerated, adding, “All religions will coexist in our country. We are united to protect everyone’s rights. But extremist organisations that operate in the name of religion will not be given any place in Bangladesh.”

Sarjis Alam, general secretary of the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation and member of the Nagorik Committee, said, “On the blood through which the new Bangladesh emerged and Sheikh Hasina fled.. these Chinmoys are inciting violence.”

“We want to tell everyone, just like we expelled Hasina from the country, expelling a terrorist group like ISKCON is like removing dirt from our hands,” said Sarjis.​

 

[Saif]

Petition for banning ISKCON, HC orders state report

A lawyer petitioned the High Court for banning the International Society for Krishna Consciousness or ISKCON in a sedition case, amid countrywide protests against the murder of a Chattogram advocate, and the HC ordered a state report on this matter. The sedition case has been filed aga

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Petition for banning ISKCON, HC orders state report
FE Desk
Published :
Nov 28, 2024 00:48
Updated :
Nov 28, 2024 00:48

A lawyer petitioned the High Court for banning the International Society for Krishna Consciousness or ISKCON in a sedition case, amid countrywide protests against the murder of a Chattogram advocate, and the HC ordered a state report on this matter.

The sedition case has been filed against expelled ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, also a spokesperson for the Sammilita Sanatan Jagaran Jote, or United Sanatan Awakening Alliance, and the lawyer murder occurred Tuesday amid violent protests that followed during his court prosecution in the port city.

The High Court summoned the attorney-general to hear state opinion on the matter, initially asking for submission of a report within a day.

The lawyer lodged the petition along with a newspaper report at the High Court bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury on Wednesday.

Later, the attorney-general said he had told the court that it would not be appropriate to take any decision immediately.

"The government is seriously looking into this. Action is already being taken."

Regarding ISKCON, he told the court that the government will look into whether this organisation was registered, whether it could be banned, and what legal action could be taken against it and present it to the court.

The chief law officer sought a day for the information to be collected. The court later asked for a report by Thursday.

Chinmoy, a Hindu priest and a religious-minority leader in Bangladesh, has been advocating on behalf of the community across Bangladesh on an eight-point charter of demands.

He was arrested at Dhaka's Shahjalal International Airport by Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Detective Branch on Monday. He was produced in a Chattogram court in a 'sedition' case around 10:45am on Tuesday amid tight security.

The court sent Chinmoy Krishna to jail, turning down his bail appeal, and it set off violent protests by his supporters.

Following the jail order, the protesters clashed with lawyers and others in the area, leaving lawyer Saiful Islam Alif dead and some others injured.

Lawyers in Chattogram went on a two-day strike on Wednesday to protest the killing of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif. The lawyers said the court activities remained suspended since morning and the lawyers gathered on the court premises to demand immediate arrest of the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, two Namaj E Janaja for the slain Advocate Saiful Islam Alif was held on the court premises at 10 am and at Jamiatul Falah National Mosque ground at 11:30 am respectively. Thousands of people joined the namaz-e-janaza and protested the killing. A protest rally was staged where lawyers voiced their outrage and sought justice for their slain colleague.

Land Affairs Adviser AF Hassan Ariff, Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain, Jamaat-e-Islami Chattogram Metropolitan Ameer Shahjahan Chowdhury, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Coordinator Hasnat Abdullah, Sarjis Alam, Russell Ahmed, and Talat Mahmud Rafi, joined thousands of people at the protest rally.

Later, leaders from various political parties and student coordinators described ISKCON as a "fundamentalist militant group" and demanded immediate ban on ISKCON's activities in Bangladesh. They warned of continued protests if their demands are not met.

Meanwhile, Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) has arrested a number of persons as suspects in the murder of Advocate Saiful Islam Alif. Six of them were identified through the video footage. Besides, CMP also arrested 21 people for vandalism and assaults on police during clashes on Tuesday.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (PR and Media) of CMP Kazi Mohammad Tarek Aziz said, "CMP has detained at least six as suspects over the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif. They were identified through video footage. The CMP has also detained 21 people for vandalism and assaults on police during clashes on Tuesday."

Students of Dhaka University (DU) on Tuesday night staged a protest demanding a ban on ISKCON over the heinous murder of Advocate Saiful Islam Alif in Chattogram.

The protest was organized by the 'Dhaka University Student Association of Lohagara-Satkania' at 9:30 PM at the VC square of DU.

Students of Jagannath University on Tuesday night condemned the brutal killing of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif and demanded an immediate ban of the Hindu nationalist organization ISKCON.

They accused the hardliner Hindu organization of threatening the country's sovereignty and engaging in extremist activities.

During a protest march that concluded with a rally at 9:30 pm, the students raised slogans such as "Ban ISKCON now," "No place for ISKCON in our Bengal," and "Break the black hands of ISKCON."​

 

[Saif]

India attempting to further provoke Chinmoy incident: Nahid

India is attempting to further escalate the situation surrounding the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das and related matters, Adviser Nahid Islam said on Wednesday. In a verified Facebook post, Nahid mentioned that the interim government is actively working to uphold the civil rights of minority c

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

India attempting to further provoke Chinmoy incident: Nahid
UNB
Published :
Nov 27, 2024 23:23
Updated :
Nov 27, 2024 23:23

India is attempting to further escalate the situation surrounding the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das and related matters, Adviser Nahid Islam said on Wednesday.

In a verified Facebook post, Nahid mentioned that the interim government is actively working to uphold the civil rights of minority communities in Bangladesh.

"We respect their legitimate demands and remain committed to resolving the issues through dialogue," he wrote.

"We urge all to recognise the negative impact India's interference in our internal security is having on the broader situation. Such statements amount to an intrusion by India," Nahid added.

He went on to say, "India is attempting to provoke the situation further. Instead, it should focus on ensuring the security and rights of its own minority communities. We call on India to act responsibly and to refrain from endorsing the false propaganda of the Awami League."

Earlier, on Tuesday, lawyer Saiful Islam was killed amid clashes among police, lawyers, and supporters of former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das after a Chattogram court denied him bail in a sedition case.

Witnesses said unidentified people dragged Saiful to Jangal Cinema Lane on the ground floor of the court building, where he was beaten and hacked to death.

The unrest erupted when thousands of Chinmoy's followers gathered at the court premises, blocking the prison van carrying him and demanding his immediate release.​

 

[Saif]

‘Ban ISKCON, otherwise Hefazat-e-Islam will be forced to take to streets’: Mamunul Haque

Mamunul Haque, Joint Secretary General of Hefazat-e-Islam, today said that the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is trying to "destabilize the country." He also demanded an immediate ban on ISKCON as a "terrorist organization". Speaking at a public rally organized

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

‘Ban ISKCON, otherwise Hefazat-e-Islam will be forced to take to streets’: Mamunul Haque
UNB
Published :
Nov 27, 2024 23:21
Updated :
Nov 27, 2024 23:21

Mamunul Haque, Joint Secretary General of Hefazat-e-Islam, today said that the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is trying to "destabilize the country."

He also demanded an immediate ban on ISKCON as a "terrorist organization".

Speaking at a public rally organized by Khelafat Majlis at Faridpur Government Rajendra College, he said, "ISKCON must be banned immediately, otherwise, Hefazat-e-Islam will be forced to take to the streets."

He further emphasized that his organization would provide security to Hindus if the state fails to do so.

He reassured the Hindu community, saying, "There is no reason to fear. If necessary, we will provide protection. However, do not engage in any conspiracy against the country."

He also criticized the previous government, saying that it manipulated state institutions, including the judiciary and administration, for its own benefit. "The previous oppressive government did whatever it wanted by placing its people in key positions. They looted the country's banks, leaving the people unable to access their own money," he said.

The Hefazat-e-Islam leader urged the current government to swiftly hold national elections, warning that it should not remain in power for much longer.​

 

[Bilal9]

Nice expose on how ISKCON works (an outsider anti-Hindu and anti-peace organization bent on Hindutva domination in Bangladesh). Sorry Bengali only.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

HC seeks govt action on ISKCON clash, murder

The High Court on Wednesday directed the government to report on the actions taken regarding the killing of assistant public prosecutor Saiful Islam Alif, who was hacked to death during a violent clash on the Chattogram court premises on Tuesday...

www.newagebd.net

HC seeks govt action on ISKCON clash, murder
Staff Correspondent 27 November, 2024, 13:02

View attachment 11044
Front view of Supreme Court building in Dhaka. | Collected photo

The High Court on Wednesday directed the government to report on the actions taken regarding the killing of assistant public prosecutor Saiful Islam Alif, who was hacked to death during a violent clash on the Chattogram court premises on Tuesday.

The confrontation broke out as followers of former International Society for Krishna Consciousness leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, now spokesperson for Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagaran Jote, clashed with law enforcers.

The violence erupted after a Chattogram metropolitan magistrate rejected Chinmoy’s bail plea and ordered to send him to jail.

The bench Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury issued the directive verbally to attorney general Md Asaduzzaman, responding to lawyer Md Monir Uddin’s plea for judicial intervention.

Monir urged the court to ensure the arrest, fair investigation and prosecution of those responsible for his colleague’s death.

Monir Uddin also called for drastic measures, including a 15-day state of emergency in Dinajpur, Rangpur, and Chattogram, and a ban on ISKCON, which he alleged was involved in the killing.

He based his claims on media reports and said that the incident escalated following a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Speaking to reporters, Monir said, ‘ISKCON activists killed my colleague, as reported in newspapers. If ISKCON is not banned, their actions will spiral out of control.’

He further claimed that tension between Muslims and Hindus could lead to broader communal violence.

Monir also accused ISKCON protesters of obstructing Chinmoy’s transfer to jail and suggested that India’s statement had provoked the violence.

‘In my personal opinion, my brother was killed due to this provocation,’ he added.

Attorney general Md Asaduzzaman briefed journalists later, clarifying that banning ISKCON is a government policy decision and beyond the High Court’s jurisdiction.

‘The lawyer’s plea is premature. The court should wait for the government’s actions on this matter,’ he said.

He also noted that the government would investigate whether ISKCON is a licensed organisation and assured the court that steps would be taken following the inquiry.

The High Court is expected to hear the government’s response today.

A legal notice, meanwhile, was served on the government authorities seeking ban on the ISKCON following Section 18 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009, calling it as an extremist organisation.

Lawyer Al Mamun Rasel, on behalf of his 10 clients—who are all Supreme Court lawyers, served the notice to the secretaries of ministries of the law and the home and the inspector general of police through registered posts.​

These goons are now pressurizing court by building a mob around in court premises. A clear lawless situation is emerging in BD. Situation in BD seems grim. Let us see what happens ahead. India should be on high alert not only on border but to protect Hindus of BD as and when it is required.

 

[Bilal9]

These goons are now pressurizing court by building a mob around in court premises. A clear lawless situation is emerging in BD. Situation in BD seems grim. Let us see what happens ahead. India should be on high alert not only on border but to protect Hindus of BD as and when it is required.

When did Bangladeshi Hindu citizens become property of India (or its concern).

This Hindutva narrative is blatant hegemony and attack on Bangladesh sovereignty.

We have an independent country - the more this hateful anti-Bangladesh narrative is propagated in India- the worse bilateral trade will suffer and boycotts will get.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

When did Bangladeshi Hindu citizens become property of India (or its concern).

This Hindutva narrative is blatant hegemony and attack on Bangladesh sovereignty.

We have an independent country - the more this hateful anti-Bangladesh narrative is propagated in India- the worse bilateral trade will suffer and boycotts will get.

India BD and Pakistan were one country before 1947. In Jinha Liyaqat pact, it was agreed upon by both countries to protect minorities. At that BD was a part of Pakistan. In case it is not respected, we have a right to intervene to protect Hindus and we shall do that. Even we intervened in Pakistan to protect you guys from the oppression of Pakistani army to save you guys and created BD way 5 decades back. If we did that for you Muslims who are always consider Hindus their enemy, we can certainly do that for our Hindu brothers as well who preferred to stay in BD because of whatever reason. Just wait for few months and watch the development.