Strict action if anyone tries to incite unrest centring Chinmoy arrest: Govt to HC

The government would take a firm stance if anyone attempts to incite unrest or disrupt the country's law and order over the arrest of former Iskcon leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, state counsels informed the High Court today (28 November).

Additional Attorney General Barrister Aneek R Haque and Deputy Attorney General Md Asad Uddin, while presenting updates on the "Iskcon issue",  told the High Court bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debashish Roy Chowdhury that the matter was now a top priority for the government.

Deputy Attorney General Md Asad Uddin told the court that three separate cases have already been filed in connection with the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif and Iskcon's activities, and 33 accused were arrested in these cases, reports UNB.

"After reviewing the CCTV footage, six individuals have been identified as being involved in the incident. We are hopeful that further questioning of those arrested will lead to more information," he said.

Asad added, "Law enforcement agencies, including the police, are actively engaged. This is not just in Chattogram, but in every location where such incidents have been reported or observed. The government is treating this matter with the utmost priority."

The state counsels came up with the updates following a HC directive on Wednesday, that asked the government to present before it the measures it plans to take to address the recent unrest involving a former leader of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) Bangladesh within Thursday.

The court gave the directive after Supreme Court lawyer Md Monir Uddin filed a petition on the same day, drawing the attention of the court to several media reports published about Iskcon and sought a ban on Iskcon and the imposition of Section 144 in Chattogram and Rangpur to prevent any potential incidents.

After hearing the updates, the High Court said as the relevant authorities have taken necessary steps prioritising the Iskcon issue, there was no need for court intervention now, reports UNB.

The court expressed hope that the government would remain vigilant in maintaining law and order and safeguarding lies and properties of the people of Bangladesh.

However, lawyer Monir Uddin, during yesterday's hearing, argued, "This is the time to ban Iskcon."

In response, the court stated, "The government will certainly look into the matter."