HC Declines Rule on ISKCON Citing Govt's Action
The High Court today passed no rule on banning ISKCON in Bangladesh after being informed that the government is dealing with the issue lawfully and taking necessary measures. The High Court also expressed hope that harmony and friendship among the people of all religions will prevail across the country and it would not be frustrated in future.
A High Court bench comprising Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debashish Ray Chowdhury passed the comments after Attorney General (AG) office informed the court about the steps taken by the government to deal with the situation following murder of advocate Saiful Islam Alif in Chattogram on Tuesday last.
The court pass the order responding to a petition submitted yesterday by Supreme Court lawyer advocate Monir Uddin for passing a suo-motu order banning the activities of ISKCON in Bangladesh. Additional Attorney General (AAG) Anik R Haque and Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Md Asad Uddin informed the court of the steps taken by the government regarding the issue.
Government lawyers told the court that government is investigating the murder case with highest priority. Three separate cases have been filed and a total of 33 people were arrested for their suspected involvement in the killing. Six people who were directly involved with the killing have already been identified after examining the CCTV footages, they added.
After the submission of the Attorney General office, the court said “We are satisfied to hear that the state has been attaching highest priority to this issue. “We hope, all will be satisfied hearing the news and we don’t want any further damage to the life and property,” the court said.
“People of our country are harmonious and love to stay friendly with all other religions. We have friendly relations with all of our neighbours and hope it will continue,” the court observed. The court earlier heard the arguments of the Attorney General (AG) Md Asaduzzaman when he said the issue of the ISKCON was very ‘unfortunate’.
Terming the killing of advocate Saiful unexpected and it’s a criminal offense, the AG said that the government will do everything as required. About the plea for banning ISCKON, AG said, it’s a matter of policy decision of the government. There is no need to issue any rule or directive at this stage as the government would take appropriate step from legal point of view.
Advocate Saiful Islam alias Alif, an assistant public prosecutor (APP) of the Chattogram Court was chopped to death during a clash between the supporters of Chinmoy Krishna Das and members of the law enforcing agencies at Chattogram court premises on Tuesday.
