November 26, 2024: Tensions erupted in Bangladesh this week as police clashed with thousands of Hindu protesters in Dhaka and Chittagong, using tear gas and batons to disperse crowds following the controversial arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent Hindu religious leader. Das, a senior member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), was detained at Dhaka airport on Monday on charges that include sedition, sparking widespread protests over his treatment and concerns about the safety of religious minorities in the country.
The protests, which began in Dhaka and Chittagong, intensified after news broke of Das' arrest, which was linked to his involvement in organizing a rally in Chittagong in October. The rally turned violent, and Das was accused of disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag during the demonstration. He faced multiple charges, including sedition, and a local court in Chittagong denied him bail on Tuesday, leading to his immediate return to prison.
In response to the growing protests, authorities deployed large numbers of police officers to maintain order. The situation turned chaotic when more than 2,000 of Das’ supporters surrounded a police van carrying the religious leader, blocking its path for over two hours. Chittagong Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasib Aziz described the scene as “rampant,” stating that protesters threw bricks and other objects at law enforcement officers.
“We had to fire tear gas to disperse the crowd,” Aziz told Reuters, adding that while no serious injuries were reported, one police constable was hurt during the unrest.
The protests over Das' arrest are part of a larger concern among Bangladesh’s Hindu community, who have long voiced fears over discrimination and rising violence against minorities in the predominantly Muslim country. The arrest has drawn significant attention from neighboring India, which expressed deep concern about the security of Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh. India’s foreign ministry has urged the Bangladesh government to ensure the safety of its minority communities and called for a fair investigation into the case.
The violence and unrest follow a series of similar incidents in Bangladesh in recent years, where religious minorities, especially Hindus, have faced increasing harassment and persecution. The situation surrounding Chinmoy Krishna Das' arrest has further fueled anxieties about the treatment of Hindus in the country, leading to calls for greater protection of their rights.
As of today, the protests continue in various parts of the country, with many supporters of Das vowing to intensify their demonstrations until his release. The Bangladesh government has yet to comment on the international reactions to the unrest, while security forces remain on high alert in major cities.