There has been ongoing violence against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh since the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina’s government. Angry mobs attack minority homes and business establishments. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Joint Forces have detained at least 30 suspects for their alleged involvement in the murder of a lawyer and the attack on security personnel following the arrest of a prominent Hindu leader. Furthermore, while protesting against the arrest of Chinmoy Das, ISKCON urged Bangladesh authorities to promote a peaceful environment for Hindus in the country.
In fact, government lawyer Saiful Islam Alif was killed in the violence that erupted following the refusal to grant bail to Chinmoy Das, who was arrested on charges of treason. At least 10 people were also injured in this confrontation. Police said Islam was seriously injured in the clash and taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“We are investigating his role in the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam and the attack on law enforcement personnel during and after Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari’s court appearance (Tuesday),” he said.
The police spokesman said those detained will be arrested for trial after a preliminary investigation and that more suspects could be arrested if their involvement is discovered.
Metropolitan Police Additional Commissioner Qazi Mohammad Tariq Aziz said the suspects were detained in a joint overnight raid by troops and police from the army and the paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
The interim government condemned the attack.
The interim government’s top adviser, Muhammad Yunus, on Tuesday condemned the lawyer’s murder and urged people to remain calm and refrain from engaging in unwanted activities. According to a statement issued by his media wing, he ordered officials to investigate the murder and take appropriate legal action. Yunus also ordered law enforcement agencies to increase security in the port city, including all sensitive areas.
“The interim government is committed to ensuring and maintaining communal harmony in Bangladesh at any cost,” he said.
Uproar after bail denial
Chinmay Das was arrested on Monday at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. I was going to Chattogram to attend a rally. On Tuesday, the court refused to grant him bail and ordered him sent to prison. After this, Chinmoy Das’s supporters started protesting, which disrupted the movement of the van taking him to jail.
At least 37 people, including 10 policemen, were injured after police and BGB troops resorted to lathicharge to disperse protesters who clashed with security personnel, police and witnesses said. At the same time, Das’ lawyers said they will file a case in the high court challenging the court order.
Das was also a member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), which recently expelled him. ISKCON Bangladesh condemned his arrest on Tuesday.
Arrested on complaint by BNP leader
Please be informed that following a complaint by a leader of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), a case was registered against Das and 18 others at Kotwali Police Station in Kotwali on October 30. Chattogram, in which they were booked on October 25. There was an allegation of insulting the national flag during a rally at Laldighi Maidan.
Demand for release of Chinmay Das
The Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council also protested against Das’ arrest and demanded his immediate release. In a statement on Tuesday, Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari, general secretary of ISKCON Bangladesh, said: “We express our grave concern and strongly condemn the recent arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das… We strongly condemn the violence against Sanatanis in several areas of Bangladesh. And also condemn the attacks.
ISKCON Bangladesh demanded that the Bangladesh government identify and hold accountable those responsible for the attacks on the Sanatani community. Implement immediate and effective measures to maintain peace and harmony among all communities in the country.
increased tension in relationships
At the same time, the arrest of Chinmay Das has also increased the diplomatic conflict between India and Bangladesh. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement on Tuesday expressed “deep concern” over Das’ arrest and denial of bail and urged Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety of Hindus and all minorities.
There are “numerous documented cases” of arson and looting of minority homes and business establishments in Bangladesh, as well as theft, vandalism and desecration of deities and temples. “It is regrettable that, while the perpetrators of these incidents are at large, charges are being brought against a religious leader who raised legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings,” the statement said.
Furthermore, Dhaka, in response to India, said that the statement of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs is contrary to the spirit of friendship and understanding between the two neighboring countries in matters of internal affairs of Bangladesh. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said the MEA statement “does not reflect the harmony that exists between people of all religions nor the commitment and efforts of the government and the people in this regard.”
Ban imposed on some parties
At the same time, retired Lieutenant General Mohammad Jahangir Alam, an adviser on internal affairs to the interim government, said he suspected that the unrest over Das’ arrest was instigated by parties at home and abroad. “There could be provocations both from home and abroad. Some parties have been banned. They could also be involved in provocations,” he told reporters on Wednesday on the sidelines of a police rally in northeastern Sylhet.
Last month, the caretaker government banned the Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student wing of Hasina’s Awami League party, under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
More than 200 attacks in 50 districts
Let us tell you that Bangladesh’s Hindu minority represents only 8 percent of the 170 million population. Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government on August 5, Hindus have faced more than 200 attacks in 50 districts.
