Tensions escalate in Bangladesh following arrest of Hindu priest and temple attack
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Bangladesh faces heightened unrest after the arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, with reports of a mob attack on the Loknath Temple in Chattogram's Firingibazar area.
The arrest has sparked protests across the country, prompting the deployment of additional security forces in Chattogram and the capital, Dhaka, to maintain order.
Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent figure in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and head of the Pundarik Dham religious site, was detained by Dhaka police at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on sedition charges. His arrest has ignited widespread demonstrations, particularly in Chattogram, where thousands gathered outside the court demanding his release after his bail plea was denied.
Protesters clashed with law enforcement for hours, blocking a prison van and prompting police to use tear gas and sound grenades to disperse the crowd. The priest was eventually transferred to jail, further escalating tensions.
Amid the unrest, a Hindu temple in Chattogram was reportedly targeted by a mob. ISKCON spokesperson Radharamn Das shared footage of the incident online, decrying the ongoing violence against Hindu communities in Bangladesh. ISKCON Bangladesh also issued a statement condemning the attacks and demanding justice for the country's minority communities.
Bangladesh's interim government, led by Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus, dismissed India’s criticism of the arrest as "unfounded" and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their religious identity. Authorities have launched investigations into both the unrest and the killing of Saiful Islam Alif, a lawyer who was hacked to death during the Chattogram clashes.
Law enforcement has detained at least 20 individuals in connection with the violence in Chattogram, conducting raids in areas such as Patharghata and Andarkilla. Security has been tightened nationwide to prevent further escalation.
The arrest and subsequent violence have reignited concerns about the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh. Hindus, who constitute around 8% of the population, have faced increased persecution following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Critics accuse the current administration of failing to address the rising violence against minority communities.
