Leaders of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) in Bangladesh have called on Mahmudur Rahman, the editor of the daily Amar Desh, to apologize to the nation within the next seven days following his controversial comments regarding the organization.
They warned that failure to do so would result in the announcement of strict measures and potential legal action against him.
During a press conference titled "Protest Against Misleading and Baseless Statements and News Regarding Iskcon," held on Saturday at the Nasrul Hamid Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU), Iskcon leaders expressed their concerns about Rahman's remarks.
Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari, the general secretary of Iskcon Bangladesh, said in a written statement that they are deeply alarmed by the baseless and false threats and calls for bans against their organization made by Mahmudur Rahman.
His comments have not only harmed Iskcon but also posed a threat to religious harmony, tolerance, and social unity in Bangladesh, he added.
He emphasized that if Rahman retracts his comments and issues a public apology, they will commend him. Otherwise, they will resort to stringent measures and legal action.
Brahmachari 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.
