Lawyer Killed in Violent Clash with Police Amid Protests for Hindu Leader's Release in Bangladesh

A lawyer was fatally injured on Tuesday amid clashes between security forces and supporters of a Hindu leader in Chattogram, Bangladesh. The unrest followed the denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote. Das was arrested at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and later sent to jail by the Chattogram court.

Protests erupted immediately after the court's decision, with followers demanding Das's release. Demonstrations spread to various districts, including Dhaka and Khulna. Security forces used sound grenades and batons to disperse the crowd, eventually allowing the prison van carrying Das to leave around 3:00 pm. Inside the van, Das urged his followers to remain calm.

Violence and Casualties

Assistant public prosecutor Saiful Islam, in his early 30s, was critically injured during the clashes and later died at a hospital. According to Nazim Uddin Chowdhury, president of the Chittagong Lawyers Association, protesters dragged Islam from a hall room and attacked him. An eyewitness reported that Islam was beaten by protesters before being taken to the hospital.

Dr Nivedita Ghosh from Chittagong Medical College Hospital confirmed that eight injured individuals were brought in, with one declared dead. Deputy Commissioner of City Police Liaquat Ali confirmed one death but stated that investigations into the cause were ongoing. The Daily Star reported injuries to at least 10 people, including journalists.

Government Response

Interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus condemned the lawyer's murder and urged calm among citizens. He instructed authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly and take legal action as needed. Yunus also directed law enforcement agencies to enhance security in Chattogram and other vulnerable areas, emphasising the government's commitment to maintaining communal harmony.

The unrest has drawn attention to Bangladesh's minority Hindu community, which makes up about 8% of the population. Since August 5, following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government, over 200 attacks have targeted Hindus across more than 50 districts.

Background on Arrest

Das's arrest stemmed from allegations of disrespecting the national flag during a rally on October 25. A case was filed against him and 18 others by a leader from former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Asif Mahmud, an adviser on local government affairs, stated that Das was arrested for sedition rather than his community leadership role.

"If someone is involved in any incident like sedition, he will not be spared," Mahmud told reporters in Rangpur city. "If Bangladesh’s sovereignty and independence are endangered or the country is exposed to dishonour or contempt, the government will take steps," he added.

Das was also affiliated with ISKCON but was recently expelled from the organisation. ISKCON leaders in Bangladesh were unavailable for comment regarding his expulsion or arrest. Meanwhile, protests continue as community members demand Das's immediate release across various regions in Bangladesh.