Dhaka: Environment, Forest, Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today stated that there have been no discussions within the government to ban the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) in Bangladesh. "No discussion was held in the government to ban Iskcon (in Bangladesh). Many may raise demands. People may take programmes to press home their demands. We are not mixing the offenses of organisations with the offenses of individuals," she informed during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy this evening, in response to a question. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizwana addressed the issue of the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, clarifying that he was arrested on specific allegations and is currently under trial. She noted that his conviction will depend on the court's decision. Rizwana cited reports from newspapers, mentioning that Iskcon has stated it has no connection with Chinmoy Krishna Das. Further details from the press briefing were p rovided by adviser Mahfuj Alam, who highlighted that two cases have been filed concerning the killing of a lawyer in Chattogram. He mentioned that additional cases are in the process of being filed, and operations are underway to apprehend those responsible for the murder. The government, he claimed, is determined to prevent the perpetrators from escaping justice. Mahfuj also discussed the collective efforts of the country's citizens in resisting attempts to incite communal violence. He noted recent meetings between delegations from the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, where both parties emphasized the need for national unity to safeguard the country's sovereignty and counter communal violence. Addressing the attacks on mazars, Mahfuj assured that the government is closely monitoring the situation and will take necessary actions within a day or two to prevent further incidents. He expressed the government's hope that the current instability will be resolved soon through c onsultations with all relevant stakeholders. Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam was also present at the press briefing.
