Hefazat holds rallies in Ctg demanding Iskcon ban
Staff Reporter :
Hefazat-e-Islam staged protest rallies in Chattogram today on Friday demanding a ban on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon), labeling it an “extremist Hindutva organisation.”
In the city, a rally took place after Jummah prayers at the north gate of Anderkilla Shahi Jame Mosque. Demonstrators also called for strict punishment in cases of abduction, murder, rape, and violence across the country, including the killing of Advocate Alif, the gang rape of a 13-year-old girl in Gazipur, the attempted murder of Khateeb Maulana Muhibbullah, and the rape of a female student by BUET student Sreeshanto Roy.
The rally was presided over by Hefazat central Nayeb-e-Ameer Maulana Ali Usman, with Chattogram city Publicity Secretary Maulana Iqbal Khalil conducting the event. Central Joint Secretary General Mufti Harun Izhar addressed the gathering as chief guest.
Speakers urged the government to treat Iskcon like other organisations involved in criminal activities, saying, “Just as Awami League leaders and senior army officers have faced legal action for crimes, Iskcon must also be held accountable. Banning this organisation is essential to maintain peace and communal harmony.”
Hefazat also held a similar protest in Hathazari after Jummah prayers at Dak Bungalow grounds. Central Joint Secretary General and Hathazari Madrasa Muhaddis Maulana Ashraf Ali Nizampuri addressed the gathering, accusing Iskcon of acting as an agent of India and carrying out subversive activities against Muslims.
He cited past allegations against the group, including the freezing of bank accounts of 17 Iskcon members by the Financial Intelligence Unit in November last year over money laundering, and a 2021 accusation by the Chattogram-based Sanatan organisation “Provortok Sangha” of land grabbing, terrorism, and sabotage.
The Hefazat leader claimed Iskcon has expanded across the country using “Israeli methods,” allegedly oppressing weaker Sanatan community members, and leveraging support from foreign missions and local authorities to continue its activities.
The rallies reflect Hefazat’s ongoing demand for the government to declare Iskcon a banned organisation.