Chattogram: Land Adviser AF Hassan Ariff today called on people of all religious beliefs to refrain from blaming organizations, parties, or groups for criminal activities committed by individuals associated with them. He made these remarks while attending a discussion as the chief guest at the local Circuit House, with City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain participating as a special guest. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Hassan Ariff emphasized that individuals who commit terrorist acts should be held personally accountable, without considering their social, political, or religious identities. "He will be punished according to the law of the land for his crime," he stated, stressing that it is unjust to blame any organization, party, or group for criminal activities. Addressing the recent arrest of former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, Ariff noted that Das had been removed from the organization prior to his arrest, and ISKCON had issued a press release regarding the matter. City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain, speaking at the event, highlighted the disruption of law and order due to terrorist activities since August 5. He promised that Chattogram city would remain safe for all, regardless of religion or caste, pledging a zero-tolerance policy towards extortion, terrorism, and violence. The Mayor also expressed sorrow over the death of advocate Saiful Islam, known as Alif, who was killed during a clash between ISKCON supporters and police. The clash occurred in the port city as ISKCON supporters demanded the release of Chinmoy Krishna Das. Dr. Shahadat visited Alif in the hospital and insisted that those responsible for the violence, regardless of their religious or caste affiliations, must be severely punished. The discussion was attended by Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasib Aziz, Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram Farida Khanam, and Central Coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Hasnat Abdullah, Sarjis Alam, and Russel Ahmed.
