Rizwana: No talks about banning ISKCON

Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan stated that there have been no discussions within the government regarding the banning of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Bangladesh.

“No discussions have taken place within the government to ban ISKCON. While some may raise demands or organize movements to press their claims, we are not conflating the actions of organizations with the actions of individuals,” she said in response to a question during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Thursday evening.

Regarding the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, Rizwana explained that he was detained on specific charges and is currently under trial. She added that he may either be convicted or acquitted by the court.

Rizwana also referenced media reports in which ISKCON denied any connection to Chinmoy Krishna Das.

During the press briefing, Adviser Mahfuj Alam discussed two cases filed in connection with the killing of a lawyer in Chattogram and mentioned that additional cases are being prepared. He confirmed that efforts are underway to apprehend those responsible for the crime, stressing that the government is taking measures to ensure the perpetrators do not evade justice.

Mahfuj highlighted that the people of the country had united to resist attempts to incite communal violence.

In this regard, he mentioned that a BNP delegation met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday, while a Jamaat-e-Islami delegation met with him on Thursday. Both parties emphasized the need for national unity to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and prevent communal violence.

On the topic of attacks on mazars, Mahfuj stated that the government is closely monitoring the situation and will take necessary actions within the next day or two to prevent further incidents.

He expressed hope that the ongoing instability will soon be addressed through consultations with all relevant stakeholders.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam was also present at the press briefing.