Leaders of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) in Bangladesh have called on the daily Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman to seek apology to the nation within the next seven days following his "controversial and baseless" remarks about the organisation.
They hinted at taking strict measures including potential legal action against him if he fails to seek apology within this time.
Addressing a press conference titled "Protest Against Misleading and Baseless Statements and News Regarding Iskcon," held on Saturday morning at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU), Iskcon leaders expressed their concerns about Mahmudur Rahman's remarks.
Sree Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari, general secretary of Iskcon Bangladesh, said in a written statement that they are gravely concerned by the false threats and calls for bans on their organization.
"Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman has termed Iskcon as a militant organisation. He also described us as agent of an intelligence agency. He also involved our name with Chhatra League. But, he will have to prove all these allegations. If he can't, he will seek apology to the nation. Isckon promotes Hindu religion in different countries around the world. We are not intelligence agency of America or Russia," he said.
Mahmudur Rahman's remarks have not only harmed Iskcon but also posed a threat to religious harmony, tolerance, and social unity in Bangladesh, he alleged.
Brahmachari stressed that if Mahmudur Rahman retracts his remarks and issues a public apology, they will commend him. Otherwise, they will take stringent measures and legal action.
He also said that they have observed various groups spreading rumors about Iskcon Bangladesh, both directly and indirectly.
Recent claims in various media outlets and on social media regarding the alleged desecration of the national flag are entirely false. Iskcon does not have its own flag; the flag referenced has no connection to the organization, he added.
He reiterated that Iskcon is an apolitical international religious organization that has always promoted humanitarian compassion and religious tolerance while advocating for national harmony and unity.
Brahmachari urged the government to take necessary actions against such baseless propaganda and to support peaceful coexistence among people of all religions and communities.
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