In Bangladesh, the Sanatan Jagran Mancha held a major rally in Chattogram on Friday, demanding the withdrawal of a “false” case filed against 19 individuals, including Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
The Sanatan Jagran Mancha issued a two-day ultimatum, threatening further protests if the case is not withdrawn by Monday. Chinmoy Krishna Das, the spokesperson for Sanatan Jagran Mancha, represents the platform advocating for the rights of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.
On Friday afternoon, thousands of Hindus defied barriers to join the protest rally organized by Sanatan Jagran Mancha at Cheragi Pahar in Chattogram, where they reiterated an eight-point list of demands.
Speaking at the rally, Gauranga Das Brahmachari, an organizer of Sanatan Jagran Mancha, announced plans to submit a memorandum to Professor Muhammad Yunus, head of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, requesting withdrawal of the alleged false case. He warned that if their request is ignored, a tougher nationwide program of protests will be declared.
Gauranga Das also claimed that police obstructed people attempting to attend the peaceful rally. According to reports from Prothom Alo, members of law enforcement were stationed throughout the city, discouraging participation in the two-hour event, which concluded at 5:00 p.m.
Chattogram Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (South) Liakat Ali Khan stated that administrative orders were in place against holding the rally, but participants defied the restrictions.
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Despite alleged threats of imprisonment, Gauranga Das Brahmachari affirmed that Sanatan Jagran Mancha would pursue their eight-point demand, emphasizing the rally’s peaceful nature and respect for administrative authorities.
He also noted that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) recently expelled Firoz Khan, the plaintiff who filed the case. He urged for the identification of those who influenced Khan, stating that such provocations harm Bangladesh’s reputation.
The case originated when Firoz Khan, a BNP worker from Chattogram, filed sedition charges against Chinmoy Krishna Das and 18 others on Wednesday night. The charges stemmed from an incident in which a saffron flag was allegedly hoisted above Bangladesh’s national flag atop the Independent Monument in Chattogram.
Media reports indicate that on October 25, Sanatan Jagran Mancha organized a rally at Laldighi Maidan in Chattogram, advocating for minority rights and security in Bangladesh. During the rally, unidentified individuals allegedly raised an ochre flag atop the Independent Monument. As per Bangladesh Flag Rules of 1972, no other flag is permitted to be flown above the national flag.