ISKCON seeks apology from Mahmudur Rahman

International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Bangladesh has demanded an apology from Mahmudur Rahman, editor of Amar Desh, over his recent calls to ban the organisation.

In a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity today, ISKCON's General Secretary Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari said that they expect Mahmudur to retract his statements and issue a public apology within a week.

"If he apologises, ISKCON will appreciate the gesture. Otherwise, we will pursue strong actions, including legal measures, against him," he added.

At a programme at Jatiya Press Club on Monday, Mahmudur had called for ISKCON to be banned.

Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari expressed concerns over the comments, describing them as "baseless threats that could harm Bangladesh's religious harmony and social unity".

"Statements like these are damaging to the country's communal peace and stability," he said.

ISKCON also addressed what it described as "misleading rumours" circulating on social media, including allegations of desecrating the national flag.

"These claims are entirely baseless. ISKCON has no flag of its own, and the flag in question is not related to ISKCON. We strictly follow Bangladesh's laws and are committed to maintaining peace and religious unity," Charu said.

ISKCON President Satya Ranjan Barai said, ''ISKCON is an international organisation that was not involved in any such incidents anywhere in the world. ISKCON is not an agent of any country's intelligence agency but works solely for the welfare of humanity.''

There may be a conspiracy behind the rumours aimed at tarnishing ISKCON's reputation both nationally and internationally, he added.