Addressing growing concerns over communal tension and rumors about a possible ban on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Hafikul Islam, press secretary to Bangladesh Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus, assured on Friday that the Hindu community in Bangladesh remains completely safe. He dismissed the rumors as baseless and urged the media to focus on fact-based reporting.

Government Stance on Hindu Safety

Hafikul Islam emphasized that the government is committed to safeguarding the rights of the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Speaking to reporters, he said, “Hindus are safe in Bangladesh. False information is being spread on certain platforms. I urge people to visit and witness the ground reality rather than relying on misinformation.”

While acknowledging initial unrest in some regions, he clarified that the situation has since been brought under control. “There was violence in the initial days, but now the situation is completely stable,” Islam stated.

No Ban on ISKCON

Addressing speculation surrounding a potential ban on ISKCON, Islam firmly denied any such intentions by the Bangladesh government. “The rights of every religious group in Bangladesh are protected. We have no plans to ban ISKCON or any other religious institution,” he reiterated.

Earlier this week, reports surfaced claiming that ISKCON was under scrutiny for allegedly inciting communal violence. However, these claims were refuted during a hearing in the Bangladesh High Court on Thursday. The court found no basis to ban ISKCON after authorities assured the necessary measures were in place to address the concerns.

Supreme Court lawyer Mohammad Monir Uddin had petitioned for a suo motu ban on ISKCON’s activities, alleging “radical behavior” and threats to national security. However, Hafikul Islam clarified, “There is no hearing to ban ISKCON. These allegations are unfounded, and ISKCON will continue its activities in Bangladesh.”

Chinmoy Krishna Das Case

Discussing the recent arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das on charges of sedition, Islam assured that the government would ensure a fair trial. “We are committed to upholding justice. Chinmoy Krishna Das will get a fair trial, and no biases will influence the legal proceedings,” he said.

The arrest had sparked protests among minority communities across the country, raising concerns about the safety of religious groups. Islam urged calm and reiterated the government’s dedication to preserving communal harmony.

Media’s Role and Misinformation

Hafikul Islam expressed concern over the role of certain media outlets in amplifying rumors about communal violence. “Some external elements are exaggerating the matter. The media must avoid reporting without verifying facts,” he said.

He appealed to journalists and influencers to act responsibly and ensure that their reporting does not incite fear or unrest among communities. “We want the truth to reach the public, not fabricated narratives,” he added.

Communal Tension in Chittagong

Islam acknowledged reports of tension in the Chittagong region, where incidents of unrest had previously been reported. To address these concerns, Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus personally visited temples and engaged with Hindu leaders to reassure them of the government’s support.

“The Chief Advisor has taken direct action to ensure the safety of minorities. Our administration is actively working to resolve any tensions and maintain peace,” he stated.

International Reactions

When asked about India’s statement regarding the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh, Islam remarked that it was an internal matter. “India should not have made a statement on this issue as it pertains solely to Bangladesh. We are capable of addressing the concerns of our citizens,” he said.

He also commented on the stance of US President-elect Donald Trump, who had reportedly expressed concerns about the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh. “What Trump said must have been informed by the Hindu diaspora. Once he assumes office, he will have a clearer understanding of the situation through the US Embassy in Dhaka,” Islam noted.

Way Forward

Amid the rumors and unrest, the Bangladesh government’s assurance of safety and commitment to justice have been welcomed by various quarters. Leaders from both Hindu and Muslim communities have emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation to maintain harmony in the region.

The administration has also urged citizens to remain vigilant against misinformation and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. As Bangladesh navigates these challenges, the government’s proactive measures aim to strengthen trust among its diverse population.