Protests by Hindu community erupt in Bangladesh after arrest of ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das

Dhaka police arrested a Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari on Monday. Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, was detained at Dhaka airport. He was scheduled to fly to Chattogram. Police spokesperson Talebur Rahman confirmed the arrest. He did not provide details about the charges. Reports indicate Das may face sedition charges related to a Chattogram rally in October. He and 18 others allegedly disrespected the Bangladeshi flag at the event. Das has led protests against violence targeting Hindus in Bangladesh. Police took him to a police station after his detention.

Protests erupted in Dhaka and other Bangladeshi cities following the arrest of a Hindu leader. Several people were injured during the demonstrations.

The Dhaka Tribune also reported protests by members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) over the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das.

Demonstrations also occurred in Chittagong, where protesters used mobile phone flashlights to express their opposition to Prabhu's arrest.

Police used tear gas to break up a protest in Chattogram, Bangladesh on Tuesday, resulting in one death and several injuries. The protest centered around Hindu community leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, who was denied bail on sedition charges.

Over 2,000 supporters of Das gathered outside the Chattogram court after his bail hearing. They blocked the prison van transporting him by lying down in its path. The demonstration turned violent, and police responded with tear gas and sound grenades. A 35-year-old lawyer died during the unrest, and several others sustained injuries, according to local media reports.

Violence in Bangladesh resulted in injuries and hospitalizations, sparking protests from the Hindu community. Eight people, including Shribas Das, Sharko Das, and Sujit Ghosh, were hospitalized, according to Bangladeshi newspaper -Prothom Alo-. Nineteen others received treatment at a general hospital. An arrest related to the incident triggered demonstrations by the Hindu minority in Dhaka and Chattogram. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC) condemned the arrest and demanded release. “This incident damages Bangladesh’s international reputation for freedom of expression and human rights,” said Manindra Kumar Nath, Acting General Secretary of the BHBCUC.

The ministry of external affairs also issued a statement expressing “deep concern” over Das’ arrest and urging Bangladesh’s interim government to ensure the safety of Hindus and other minorities. “This follows multiple attacks on Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh,” the statement said, referencing documented incidents of arson, looting, and vandalism targeting minority communities.Das’ supporters argue that the charges against him are politically motivated and aim to suppress minority voices. ISKCON Vice President Radharaman Das called the arrest “unfortunate,” adding that Das had become a symbol of peaceful resistance against rising violence towards Hindus in Bangladesh.

Following Sheikh Hasina's ousting, Bangladeshi Hindus protested in Dhaka, demanding protection from escalating violence and threats. They urged the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus to enact minority protection laws and ensure representation in governance.