SAD holds rally in Ctg demanding ban on Iskcon, cancellation of Chinmoy's bail

Leaders and activists of Students Against Discrimination (SAD) held a protest rally in Chattogram yesterday, demanding a ban on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) and the cancellation of bail granted to its former leader, Chinmoy Krishna Das.

The protest procession began after the Jumma prayer at the Anderkilla Shahi Jame Mosque, moved through various city streets, and concluded with a rally in front of the Chattogram Press Club.

"Chinmoy is trying to implement the Indian agenda in Bangladesh. Lawyer Saiful Islam Alif was killed. Chinmoy's bail must be cancelled, and his trial must proceed," said Ibne Hossain Ziad, senior joint convener of SAD's Chattogram city unit.

"We all are Alif individually, and we will not let Bangladesh become a vassal of India. We want to tell the interim government to step down like Hasina if they continue to be a slave of India," he added.

Abrar Hasan Ziad, another SAD leader, alleged that, "Iskcon terrorists threw acid at police and army members on 6 November 2024. However, no strict action was taken. Chinmoy threatened to kill after snatching a microphone from the police. Later, lawyer Alif was killed."

He further said, "Iskcon and Chinmoy could have been buried that day. But the Towhidi Janata of Chattogram has shown patience for a long time. Many accused are still outside prison, and the court has granted bail to individuals who serve India's interests. If this continues, we will take to the streets to demand the government's fall."

At the rally, speakers alleged that armed "AL terrorists" had taken shelter in Iskcon temples. They claimed Iskcon was a wing of the ruling Awami League and accused former education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel of acting as an Indian agent.

Addressing Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, they questioned how Chinmoy received bail while many individuals allegedly tortured over the past 15 years were denied bail.

Speakers also said that those involved in attacking students during the July uprising were now free and easily obtaining bail.

They warned of another mass uprising to "remove agents of India, Iskcon, and the Indian intelligence agency RAW."

Chinmoy Krishna Das was accused of sedition in a case filed on 31 October for allegedly desecrating the national flag.

He was arrested by the Detective Branch at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on 25 November and handed over to the Chattogram Metropolitan Police the following day.

A clash broke out during Chinmoy's remand hearing on 26 November between law enforcers, lawyers, and his followers, resulting in the death of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif.

After a legal battle, the High Court granted Chinmoy bail on 30 April.