ISKCON denies ‘baseless’ claims of ‘involvement’ in lawyer’s murder

Leaders of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Bangladesh on Thursday refuted allegations linking the organisation to the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif in Chattogram. They said the claims were baseless and part of a malicious campaign.

At a press conference at ISKCON Bangladesh's headquarters, General Secretary Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari said, "A series of false, fabricated, and malicious campaigns have been targeting ISKCON Bangladesh, particularly in connection with recent events. These efforts are aimed at discrediting our organisation and creating societal unrest."

The leaders categorically denied any involvement in the murder, which occurred near the Chattogram court premises, or in the related movements.
"ISKCON Bangladesh has never been involved in communal or conflict-driven activities and will continue to promote unity and harmony," he added.

Charu Chandra Das also mentioned, "We have already clarified the matter multiple times through press conferences and official communications with the government and administrative authorities. Regrettably, certain groups continue to deliberately spread false propaganda against our organisation and make unreasonable demands, such as banning ISKCON."

He emphasised that their actions were personal and not connected to ISKCON.

He also dismissed rumours propagated by various groups alleging ISKCON's role in unrelated incidents, such as road accidents, terming them as part of a deliberate smear campaign.

ISKCON Bangladesh President Satya Ranjan Baroi said, "We are dedicated to communal harmony, religious tolerance, and the welfare of humanity. The allegations are an attempt to tarnish our religious and social reputation."

The press conference was attended by several ISKCON leaders, including Treasurer Jyotishwar Gaur Das Brahmachari and Central Member Bimala Prasad Das.