Dhaka: A public prosecutor was killed after violent clashes erupted in Bangladesh this week following the arrest of a prominent Hindu leader, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, AFP news agency reported. The unrest followed the denial of bail to ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) leader Brahmachari, who is currently facing sedition charges after he was arrested at Dhaka airport before being sent to jail.
A lawyer was killed and at least six people were injured on Tuesday amid protests over the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das. The ISKCON leader was arrested from Dhaka airport on Monday before being sent to jail without bail — sparking widespread protests in Dhaka and Chittagong. The Muhammad Yunus-led government has ordered a probe into the matter and heightened security.
According to a Dhaka Tribune report, the public prosecutor was identified as 35-year-old Saiful Islam. Doctors at the Chittagong Medical College Hospital also told the publication that six others had been injured during the clashes. The Chittagong Lawyers' Association president said that the lawyer had been hacked to death by protesters after being dragged out from beneath his chamber.
Sedition charges were filed against Brahmachari last month after he led a large rally in Chittagong. He was accused of disrespecting the Bangladeshi national flag and was denied bail by a court in Chittagong this week. More than 2,000 supporters surrounded the van as he was being escorted back to prison from court — blocking it for more than two hours. van, blocking it for over two hours
India's concern and Bangladesh's response
India expressed deep concern over the arrest and denial of bail to Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh, urging Dhaka to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities. “We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.
The ministry further said that there are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities’ homes and business establishments, as well as theft, vandalism, and desecration of deities and temples.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka, Bangladesh expressed “utter dismay and deep hurt” over India's statement, clarifying that the arrest of Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das was based on specific charges. It criticized certain quarters for misrepresenting the arrest and asserted that these allegations undermine the facts while mischaracterizing the commitment of the Bangladeshi government to religious harmony. It labeled India's claims as "unfounded" and contrary to the spirit of friendship between the two nations.
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3 Hindu temples targeted in Chattogram Amidst the ongoing clashes in Bangladesh, three Hindu temples were targeted in Chattogram in the past 24 hours. The temples, which were targeted, included Lokonath Temple in Firangi Bazar, Mansa Mata Temple and Kali Mata Temple in Hazari Lane, News18 website reported. ISKCON spokesperson, Radharamn Das, shared a purported video of a mob attack on a Hindu temple on his X account and wrote, "24x7 attack on Hindus & Hindu places of worship in #Bangladesh. When will it all STOP?" |
