DHAKA – Bangladesh heightened security measures in Chittagong on Wednesday following the arrest of six individuals linked to the killing of a lawyer during violent protests. The unrest erupted after Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent Hindu leader associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), was detained on sedition charges.
Das was arrested on Monday at Dhaka airport, sparking widespread demonstrations in Dhaka and Chittagong. Clashes between his supporters and security forces escalated, culminating in the killing of a Muslim lawyer outside the Chittagong court on Tuesday.
Police used video footage to identify and apprehend six suspects in connection with the lawyer’s death. Additionally, 21 individuals were detained for vandalism and assaulting police officers during the unrest. Among them were six members of the Awami League, who were found in possession of improvised explosives, according to police reports.
The interim government, established after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India amid political turmoil in August, has launched an investigation into the lawyer’s murder and deployed additional security forces in Chittagong.
Das, accused of disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag during an October rally, was denied bail by a Chittagong court on Tuesday. The incident has drawn condemnation from neighboring India, which expressed concerns over attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. New Delhi urged accountability for those involved in the violence.
Bangladesh’s foreign ministry responded, stating that the judiciary operates independently and the case against Das is being handled through legal processes. Meanwhile, tensions remain high as protests continue to simmer.