Hasnat Abdullah, convener of Anti-discrimination Student Movement, has demanded a ban on ISKCON as a “terrorist organization”, and called for the immediate arrest — within 24 hours — of those responsible for the death of Advocate Saiful Islam Alif during yesterday’s clash in Chattogram city.

He made these remarks while speaking at the mourning rally organized after the funeral of Advocate Alif at the Tiger Pass intersection in the city on Wednesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Hasnat said, “We have not forgotten how ISKCON grew under the patronage of the Awami League over the last 16 years, and today, as a terrorist organization, it is creating unrest in Bangladesh under India’s prescription by becoming an ally to the fascism.”

“We want to say clearly, Indian bubu (sister)… Indian Hasina, you will no longer have a place in Bangladesh. No matter how many conspiracies are hatched in India, we, every person in Bangladesh, will defeat them,” he added.

He emphasized unity among people of all faiths and said extremist groups using religion for violence would not be tolerated, adding, “All religions will coexist in our country. We are united to protect everyone's rights. But extremist organizations that operate in the name of religion will not be given any place in Bangladesh.”

Sarjis Alam, general secretary of the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation and member of the Nagorik Committee, said, “On the blood through which the new Bangladesh emerged and Sheikh Hasina fled..  these Chinmoys are inciting violence.”

“We want to tell everyone, just like we expelled Hasina from the country, expelling a terrorist group like ISKCON is like removing dirt from our hands,” said Sarjis.