The Dhaka High Court on Thursday declined to issue a suo motu order to ban the activities of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Bangladesh. The court cited assurances from government authorities that necessary steps were being taken, as reported by The Daily Star.

During the hearing, Supreme Court lawyer Md Monir Uddin presented reports from various newspapers highlighting ISKCON's recent activities. He urged the court to impose a ban on the organisation and enforce Section 144 in Chattogram, Rangpur, and Dinajpur.

The High Court bench, comprising Justices Farah Mahbub and Debasish Roy Chowdhury, directed the attorney general to provide details of government actions regarding ISKCON. The bench expressed hope that the government would remain vigilant in maintaining law and order while protecting lives and property.

Additional Attorney General Aneek R Haque and Deputy Attorney General Md Asad Uddin informed the court that three separate cases had been filed concerning ISKCON’s activities and the recent murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif. They reported that 33 individuals had been arrested in connection with these cases.

The bench refrained from passing an immediate ban order, emphasising its expectation that the government would act prudently to safeguard public order. The Daily Star quoted the court as stressing the importance of maintaining peace and security for all citizens amidst ongoing investigations.

The legal proceedings follow rising tensions surrounding ISKCON’s presence in Bangladesh, with calls from various quarters for stricter scrutiny of its activities. The court’s decision underscores its reliance on government efforts to address the situation effectively.