Dhaka //

The Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Parishad has alleged that persecution of Sanatan Dharma followers is continuing across the country, mainly in remote areas. They say that the lack of any remedy has made the criminals reckless. The victims of the torture have become increasingly frightened and depressed, which is making civic life chaotic and devoid of harmony.

The Sammilit Sanatan Parishad, a platform comprising 41 organizations, made the allegation at a press conference held at Dhaka Reporters Unity this Saturday morning. They held this press conference to protest against the attacks, arson and looting of houses, places of worship and business establishments of Sanatan Dharma followers since the political change on August 5, and the deliberate propaganda against the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Bangladesh. At the same time, demands for compensation and rehabilitation of those affected by the attack after the change of government have also been made.

Pradeep Kumar Acharya, General Secretary of Sammilit Sanatan Parishad, read out a written statement at the press conference. He said in his written statement that there have been atrocities and persecutions against Sanatans in the past as well, but this has not been remedied.

The written statement also mentioned that an attempt is being made to create division by deliberately separating ISKCON from the Sanatan religion by spreading propaganda and hatred. It says that, however, ISKCON is a common religious sect included in the Sanatan religion.

The press conference was told that some people are making provocative statements about ISKCON. These propaganda are being carried out for a special purpose. They demanded that the government take appropriate action in this regard in a timely manner, otherwise the responsibility for any untoward situation will fall on the government.

Terming the role of the army in Chattogram’s Hazari Gali as ‘unwanted’, the Sammilit Sanatan Parishad said that the role played by the organization was not expected for any reason.

The Sammilit Sanatan Parishad also demanded the implementation of the eight-point demands it has been making, including compensation for attacks on minority communities, if the government falls. They said that now that the reform process is underway, proportional representatives from minority communities should be included in all commissions and representative institutions that need to be formed in the reform process.

Sammilit Sanatan Parishad President Hirendra Nath Biswas presided over the press conference. Sammilit Sanatan Parishad Vice President Ashok Toru, Chief Coordinator Shyamal Roy, Joint General Secretary Mrityunjoy Kumar Roy, Manik Chandra Sarkar, Bangladesh Sanatan Party (BSP) General Secretary Suman Kumar Roy, among others, also spoke at the time.