Why Iskcon protest after Hasina's fall, asks BNP leader Nazrul 

BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan has said that Iskcon had remained silent for years during the Awami League government's repression and persecution, questioning why it initiated this movement only after Sheikh Hasina's fall.  

"Being citizens of Bangladesh, they appeal to the Indian government for action. Is Bangladesh under someone's rule that action must be sought elsewhere?" he questioned during a discussion marking the 43rd founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan at National Press Club in Dhaka today (29 November).

"Even India issues statements, but we didn't see any statement when thousands were killed in July and August. An advocate was murdered, yet no statement came. If one person is arrested, you [Iskcon] issue statements, but when thousands are killed, there's silence. This is clearly biased," the BNP leader added.

Calling for unity against fascism in Bangladesh, the BNP leader says, "Defeating fascism is impossible without a united effort. We have a responsibility to restore democracy in the country. We must honour the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for democracy and not betray their blood."

He urged all existing political organisations in the country to form a united front against fascist rule.

"Our primary duty in restoring democracy is to ensure free and fair elections," he added. 

"The previous government forcibly seized power and staged a mockery in the name of elections. The responsibility of an interim government is to create a conducive environment for fair elections where the people's opinions are accurately reflected."

The discussion was presided over by Senior Naib-e-Ameer of the Khelafat Andolan, Alhaj Mohammad Azam Khan.

At a media briefing at the BNP's Nayapaltan office in Dhaka today, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said India's demand for the release of former Iskcon leader Chinmoy Krishna Das is a direct attack on Bangladesh.

He added, "Why are they protesting? Their demands are unclear and surprising. Protests in seven divisional cities and incidents like the killing of lawyer Saiful Islam in Chattogram raise serious concerns. India's Ministry of External Affairs expressing concern over Chinmoy's arrest and demanding his release was unprecedented."

Criticising India's stance, Rizvi said, "Many people in Bangladesh are arrested for crimes like looting, terrorism, corruption and murder. If Chinmoy is a Bangladeshi citizen, he will be tried under the law. It's highly unusual for a foreign country to issue a statement demanding someone's release."

He accused India of remaining silent during previous atrocities, saying, "When Chhatra League members killed Bishwajit in daylight or when BNP leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy was beaten, where was India's concern? Iskcon also stayed silent during those times of injustice under Sheikh Hasina's rule."

Rizvi further alleged that India's actions suggest an intention to interfere in Bangladesh's internal affairs and resist the changes following the Awami League's departure. 

"India seems aligned with certain factions, unwilling to accept Bangladesh's transition towards progress and democracy," he said.