Ex-Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Condemns Lawyer's Killing, Arrest Of ISKCON Monk

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has strongly condemned the killing of a lawyer and the violent clashes that erupted following the arrest of ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das. In her statement, she criticized the government for its handling of the situation and called for the immediate release of the prominent Hindu leader.

"A lawyer was killed, and several others were injured during violent clashes at the Chittagong court premises following the arrest of ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das," she said. "Reports indicate that protesters clashed with lawyers and law enforcement officials, leading to the monk being sent to prison amid escalating tensions."

She described Chinmoy Krishna Das as a top leader of the Sanatan Dharma community and called his arrest unjust. Highlighting the recent wave of religious violence, she added, "Temples have been burned in Chittagong. In the past, mosques, shrines, churches, monasteries, and homes of the Ahmadiyya community have been attacked, vandalized, looted, and set on fire. Religious freedom and the security of life and property for all communities must be ensured."

The former Prime Minister accused the government of failing to maintain law and order and called the current administration's actions anarchic. She pointed to the murder of Awami League leaders and activists, as well as the ongoing harassment of citizens through violence, legal cases, and arrests.

"If the Yunus government, which seized power unconstitutionally, fails to punish these terrorists, it will itself face consequences for violating human rights," she warned. Calling for unity among citizens, she urged them to stand against terrorism and militancy.

"The current power grabbers have failed in every aspect-controlling prices of essential commodities, ensuring public security, and protecting lives and property. I strongly condemn the direct and indirect torture inflicted on ordinary citizens," she said.

Rising Religious Tensions

Bangladesh has been gripped by fresh unrest since the arrest of ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das on November 25. Das, a prominent Hindu priest and an advocate for minority rights, was detained in Dhaka. His arrest triggered violent protests, with reports of clashes, injuries, and attacks on Hindu temples in Chittagong.

This unrest comes months after the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in what many describe as a violent power grab by Islamist factions.