Intifada Bangladesh Demands Banned of ISKCON

Intifada Bangladesh held a protest rally at the northern gate of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram, voicing several demands centered on what they described as "structural Islamophobia" and a perceived failure of the state and administration to protect Muslim interests.

The organization called for a public apology from the police regarding the Gazipur rape incident, demanding transparency, an end to victim-blaming, and the immediate arrest and speedy trial of those involved. They also urged for a prompt, impartial investigation and punishment for culprits in the Tongi area kidnapping and murder case.

A key focus of the protest was the economic involvement of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Intifada Bangladesh demanded an investigation to determine if the organization's economic participation or role is criminal or supportive of crime, and called for legal action if necessary.

The organization's list of demands also included: Formulating a national policy and action plan to prevent "structural Islamophobia" and anti-Islamic behavior at the state level.

Creating legal policies and measures to protect the dignity and safety of Muslim women. Ensuring the safety of priests, active citizens, and organizations they accuse of "leading in anti-Islamic activities" (though the phrasing suggests this is a demand for action against them, the list structure is ambiguous).

Ahmed Rafiq, a member of Intifada Bangladesh, accused the state and administration of being silent or actively protecting criminals in cases targeting Muslims, citing the Gazipur rape and the alleged kidnapping and murder of a Khatib (a mosque speaker) who had spoken out against ISKCON. He criticized politicians for being preoccupied with their image and foreign opinion rather than prioritizing God's will. Rafiq also accused other groups of being silent during the "plunder of Muslim women," interpreting this silence as part of the "structured Islamophobia" within society and the state.

The short protest concluded with a procession toward Shapla Square.