Bangladesh: Lawyer defending Hindu Priest Chinmoy Das killed in police firing

Lawyer hacked to death as violent clash breaks out during Chinmoy Krishna Das’ bail hearing in Chittagong court

Hindu Priest Chinmoy Krishna Das‘ lawyer, Saiful Islam Alif, was killed in police gunfire outside the Chittagong Court in Bangladesh. A large crowd of Hindu protesters had gathered outside the court to demonstrate against the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das when police launched a violent crackdown, opening fire on the crowd.

Thousands of protesters, mainly from the Hindu community, gathered at the court premises in Chittagong after the court rejected Chinmoy Krishna Das’s bail application and ordered his arrest. The protesters, demanding his release, blocked a prison van carrying the monk. The unrest quickly escalated as police deployed teargas and resorted to lathi charge to disperse the crowd. In the ensuing chaos, police fired on the protesters, killing Alif and injuring others.

Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent leader of the Hindu community in Bangladesh, was arrested on Monday for allegedly insulting the Bangladesh flag during a protest. The sedition charges stem from accusations that he raised a flag above the national flag during a demonstration. However, the individual who initially filed the case against him has reportedly withdrawn the charges, raising questions about the political motivations behind the arrest.

Before his detention, Chinmoy Krishna Das was seen in a viral video from the prison van, flashing a victory sign and urging his supporters to continue their protests peacefully. “We want a united Bangladesh,” he declared, calling for calm despite the violent crackdown. Addressing his followers, he emphasized that maintaining peace was a priority while demanding justice for the Hindu community.

As protests spread from Chittagong to Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh, the situation remained tense. Supporters of Chinmoy Krishna Das argue that the charges against him are politically motivated, and aimed at suppressing the voices of the minority Hindu community. The monk, known for leading demonstrations against violence targeting Hindus, has become a symbol of resistance, with his arrest seen as an attempt to stifle dissent.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed deep concern over the unfolding events. In a statement, the ministry urged Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and other minorities and condemned the police crackdown on peaceful protesters. “We call for the protection of religious freedoms and the immediate cessation of violence against the Hindu community,” the MEA said.

Meanwhile, the Chittagong Metropolitan Magistrate Court has ordered that Chinmoy Krishna Das be held in judicial custody, without granting him bail. His supporters have vowed to continue their protests, despite the government’s heavy-handed response. As tensions persist, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for dialogue and restraint from all sides.

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