Bangladesh Govt Has No Plans To Ban ISKCON,’ Says Mohd Yunus’ Aide Amid Row Over Hindu Priests’ Arrests

Bangladesh Govt Has No Plans To Ban ISKCON,’ Says Mohd Yunus’ Aide Amid Row Over Hindu Priests’ Arrests
An aide to the Chief Adviser of the Bangladesh Interim Government, Muhammed Yunus, has stated that the neighboring country of India does not have any plans to impose a ban on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) after a monk formerly associated with the organization was arrested on alleged sedition charges.
Speaking to ANI, Shafiqul Alam, the Press Secretary to Yunus, noted that Bangladesh is at a crucial stage and that the country’s Chief Adviser will soon make a national unity call to all political parties, urging them to stand against misinformation campaigns and vested interest groups attempting to destabilize the nation.
When asked about the potential ban on ISKCON in Bangladesh, Alam responded, “We have stated that we have no plans to ban ISKCON. We have said this repeatedly.”Bangladesh
Shafiqul Alam said
The situation in Bangladesh has been marked by increasing violence against minority communities following the arrest of spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das. Das, who is associated with the Sammilita Sanatani Jagaran Jote, was arrested in Dhaka on November 25. The arrest followed a complaint filed on October 31 by a local politician who accused him and others of disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag during a rally of the Hindu community.
When asked about the objective of the national unity call from Muhammed Yunus, Shafiqul Alam said, “We are at a crucial stage. You have seen how the nation came together to oust Sheikh Hasina. So, obviously, the Chief Adviser will call all political parties for national unity-unity against misinformation campaigns, unity against vested interest groups trying to destabilize the country, and unity against those spreading conspiracy theories and fake news about Bangladesh.”
Bangladesh local media reported that Yunus met with leaders of all political parties in the country. A report from the Daily Star quoted Asaduzzaman Fuaad, Joint Secretary General of the Amar Bangladesh Party, telling reporters that political party leaders assured Yunus that their respective parties would support the government on the issue of national unity. Fuaad also mentioned that several political parties urged Professor Yunus to take steps to hold elections as soon as possible after implementing necessary reforms.
We believe in open media freedom and open access to all TV stations
Meanwhile, when asked about a writ petition in the Bangladesh High Court seeking a ban on the broadcast of Indian TV channels, the Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser said, “I think it is a matter for the court. Let the court decide. We believe in open media freedom and open access to all TV stations.”Bangladesh
Lawyer Ekhlas Uddin Bhuiyan, who filed the petition on Monday, is seeking a directive under the Cable Television Network Operation Act 2006 to prohibit the broadcast of Indian TV channels, as reported by the Dhaka Tribune. The petition also asks why a rule should not be issued to ban Indian TV channels in Bangladesh. The secretaries of the Information Ministry, the Home Ministry, and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) have been named as respondents.
Additionally, Shafiqul Alam accused the ousted premier Sheikh Hasina of being a “mass murderer.” He claimed that thousands of people were killed or disappeared under Hasina’s watch.
When asked about Sheikh Hasina’s recent allegations against Muhammed Yunus, Shafiqul Alam responded, “Sheikh Hasina is a mass murderer. She has overseen one of the most brutal dictatorships. Under her watch, thousands of people were killed, thousands were disappeared, and millions of opposition activists were charged with fake cases. Now, she is talking. We are shocked and surprised that she is still allowed to speak to the media from her residence.”
Hasina had accused the interim government of Bangladesh of “unlawfully seizing power” and condemned the “direct and indirect persecution” of ordinary people. She accused the current interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, of “harassing” the leaders of her party, the Awami League.
immediate release
“The current regime, which unlawfully seized power, has failed in every sector. It has failed to control the prices of essential commodities and to ensure the safety of citizens’ lives. I strongly condemn the direct and indirect persecution of ordinary people,” she said.
The ousted Bangladesh prime minister also condemned the “unjust” arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das and demanded his “immediate release.” Hasina expressed concern over the attacks against minorities in Bangladesh and their places of worship and called for ensuring the safety of religious freedom for all communities.
Earlier this year, students’ protests against the quota system in government jobs turned into a massive anti-government movement, forcing Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee the country. This was followed by the establishment of an interim government under Nobel Peace Laureate Muhammad Yunus.NASA needs your help to rescue stranded astronauts; will pay 20,000 for the best plan: How to apply