Islamic political parties with similar views have demanded the trial of lawyer Saiful Islam’s murder and the banning of the "extremist organization" International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon).
The demand was made during a press conference organized by these parties at the National Press Club on Today.
In a written statement on behalf of the parties, Abdul Rabb Yusuf, vice president of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, said that criticizing Iskcon does not mean criticizing the Hindu community.
"Our Hindu brothers and sisters should be cautious not to fall into Iskcon's trap," he added.
He claimed that Iskcon, which he described as a "militant communal organization," is trying to incite sectarian conflict in the country to further its interests. He also accused Iskcon members of being responsible for 90% of online religious insults in India.
He said that the Indian Ministry of External Affairs had issued a statement in response to attacks on minorities, in which they noted that the perpetrators were unaccountable while a religious leader had spoken out against these wrongdoings, only to face counter-allegations and arrest.
In contrast, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to India’s concerns by stating that false information was being spread about Chinmoy Krishna Das after his arrest on specific charges.
He further expressed support for the government’s statement, urging everyone to maintain patience to prevent disruptions to communal harmony and law and order.
At the press conference, three demands were raised:
- Iskon should be banned in Bangladesh as an extremist organization
- A fair trial must be conducted for the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam and all crimes organized by Iskcon.
- Those attempting to incite communal violence must be swiftly brought to justice.
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