Bangladesh: Lawyer killed in clash between Chinmoy Das' supporters and security forces, ISKCON seeks help from India

Dhaka: A lawyer was killed in Bangladesh on Tuesday during a clash between security personnel and followers of a Hindu leader. Local media has given this news. The court here had refused to grant bail to the Hindu leader and sent him to jail. The victim lawyer has been identified as Saiful Islam, 35, an assistant public prosecutor and member of the Chittagong District Bar Association, Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported.

The newspaper has given this information quoting Dr. Nivedita Ghosh, a doctor on duty in the emergency department of Chittagong Medical College Hospital. Six others were injured in clashes that broke out after Chittagong's Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate Court refused to grant bail to prominent Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, arrested on sedition charges, reports said. Chittagong Lawyers Association president Nazim Uddin Chowdhury said the protesters dragged a lawyer from his chambers and killed him.

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10 people including journalist injured in clash

Let us tell you that when Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was being taken in the police van, he addressed the crowd through the mike and urged them to remain calm. At the same time, around 3 pm, law enforcement agencies fired tear gas shells and lathicharged to disperse the protesters. City Police Deputy Commissioner Liaqat Ali confirmed the death of one person, but said they were still investigating the cause. The Daily Star newspaper reported that at least 10 people, including journalists, were injured during the clashes.

Indian government expressed displeasure

Chinmoy Krishna Das, a religious leader associated with ISKCON in Bangladesh, was arrested yesterday. He has been accused of treason and disturbing the communal atmosphere. The Indian government has expressed displeasure over his arrest. India's Foreign Ministry said in a statement issued on Tuesday that we are concerned by the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das. The Ministry of External Affairs said that “It is unfortunate that criminals are roaming freely, but cases are going on against the religious leader who raised the right demands through peaceful meetings.

ISKCON seeks help from India

Now ISKCON has appealed to India to intervene in this matter. Before India issued its statement on the arrest of Chinmoy Prabhu, ISKCON of Bangladesh had demanded India's intervention in this matter. He requested the Government of India to talk to the Government of Bangladesh to tell them that ISKCON has nothing to do with terrorism anywhere in the world.