Chattogram, Bangladesh:
Clashes broke out between police and supporters of arrested Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das outside a court in Chattogram, Bangladesh, on Tuesday. Hundreds of people, believed to be mainly from the minority Hindu community, gathered outside the court premises to protest the arrest of a former ISKCON leader in a sedition case.
The violence began around noon after the court denied bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha.
According to Bangladeshi media, the agitators intercepted a prison van carrying the priest. After a nearly three-hour standoff, violence erupted outside the courthouse grounds, with police firing tear gas, sonic grenades and baton charges at demonstrators.
It is feared that one person was killed in the riot, but there is no official confirmation yet.
Chandan Kumar Dhar, also known as Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, was arrested at Dhaka airport on Monday afternoon in connection with a sedition case filed in Chattogram. The case against the Hindu priest and 18 others was brought by local Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders, who were later expelled from the party.
The priest appeared in the Chattogram 6th Metropolitan Magistrate Court earlier in the day, which rejected the bail and fixed another bail hearing on Wednesday morning.
Chinmoy Krishna Das’ arrest comes amid tensions over minority rights in the South Asian country, which has seen widespread political violence since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
About 8 percent of Bangladesh’s 170 million people are Hindu. Since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the new military-backed interim government led by Mohammed Yunus has faced criticism for failing to curb a surge in violence against minorities.
Earlier, India also condemned the arrest of a Hindu priest. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement called on Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all other ethnic minorities.
“We note with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Dasri, who is also the spokesperson of Samirit Sanatan Jagran Jote in Bangladesh. This follows multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by elements,” the statement read.
The MEA noted that there have been several documented incidents of arson and looting of ethnic minority homes and businesses, as well as theft, vandalism, and desecration of gods and temples in Bangladesh.
The MEA said: “It is unfortunate that charges should be brought against religious leaders who presented legitimate demands through peaceful assemblies while the perpetrators of these incidents are still at large. ” he said.
