Advisor AF Hasan Arif Responds to Call for Banning ISKCON Following Lawyer’s Death

In response to calls for banning ISKCON following the death of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif in Chattogram, land advisor AF Hasan Arif has stated clearly that responsibility for a crime lies with an individual, not with any organization or group. He made the remarks at a discussion session held at the Chattogram Circuit House on Wednesday.

Arif said that if an individual engages in terrorist activities, they alone are responsible. There is no need to bring up their religion, social status, or political affiliation. A criminal is simply a criminal, and it is incorrect to blame any organization or group for an individual’s crime.

He added that the punishment for terrorist activities should be proportional to the crime. Whether it is treason or the incitement to kill lawyer Saiful Islam Alif, the criminal must be held accountable. If someone repeatedly commits crimes under the guise of an organization, it remains a personal offense, and that individual should only be seen as a criminal.

Referring to the Chattogram incident, Arif pointed out that members of the so-called “banned organization” Chhatra League are alleged to be involved in criminal activities.

He said they have not yet been brought under the law, which is allowing them to continue their actions. Now is the time for legal action to be taken against them, or else the risk of further instability in society will remain.

The meeting was chaired by Shahadat Hossain, the mayor of Chattogram City Corporation and a BNP leader.

Hossain condemned the brutal murder of Saiful Islam Alif, calling it a crime that could only be carried out by professional killers. “Terrorists have no affiliation with any group, religion, or race. A criminal is simply a criminal, and they should receive the highest punishment,” he said.

He also noted that members of the Jubo League and Chhatra League, who have been involved in “terrorist activities in the name of religion,” are still seen marching. These provocative actions are damaging communal harmony in society and must be met with a strong response.

The discussion was attended by Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasib Aziz, Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanam, Amir of Chattogram Metropolitan Jamaat-e-Islami Shahjahan Chowdhury, central coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Hasnat Abdullah, Sarjish Alam, and Metropolitan Public Prosecutor Mofizul Haque Bhuiyan.