Government puts ISKCON issue as Top Priority, High Court informed

The government has taken a strong position to prevent any unrest following the murder of a lawyer in Chittagong, which occurred after the arrest of a former leader of Iskcon. The state has told the High Court that this matter is now a top priority for the authorities.

On Thursday, Additional Attorney General Barrister Aneek R Haque and Deputy Attorney General Md Asad Uddin informed a High Court bench, comprising Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury, about the government’s approach.

The state explained that the government is treating the situation with the highest level of importance. According to the officials, three cases have been filed in connection with the incident, and 33 people have already been arrested.

Law enforcement agencies are working hard to prevent any further unrest linked to this issue, they added.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer, Moniruzzaman, suggested that it might be time to consider banning the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon). The court responded that the government would certainly look into the matter.

A writ petition was filed in the High Court on Wednesday, seeking a ban on Iskcon and emergency measures in Chittagong and Rangpur to avoid any potential disorder.

Referring to media reports, lawyer Moniruzzaman urged the court to issue specific instructions. Given the seriousness of the situation, the court had summoned the attorney general.

Later, Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman commented that certain groups might be attempting to destabilize the country from different angles. He emphasized that the government is taking steps to build national unity and has begun discussions with political parties regarding the recent events.

The court expressed concern and stressed that no one should be allowed to undermine law and order.

Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former Iskcon leader and a spokesperson for the Sanatan Jagaran Jote, was arrested on Monday at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. He was on his way to Chittagong, where he resides.

The next day, violence erupted outside a Chittagong court after Chinmoy was denied bail.

His supporters held a protest at the court, leading to clashes. During the chaos, 35-year-old Saiful Islam Alif, an assistant public prosecutor, was tragically killed.