Lawyer killed amid clashes during Chinmoy's court prosecution

CHATTOGRAM Nov 26: A lawyer was killed while supporters of expelled ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari were demonstrating for the Hindu priest's release during his court prosecution.

Police and witnesses said the murder of Advocate Saiful Islam Alif took place in Laldighi area beside Rangam Cinema Hall in the afternoon, stoking up tensions as lawyers and locals came out in protest.

Government authorities deployed contingents of paramilitary BGB troops, alongside regular law-enforcement agencies, in the port city and in Dhaka as a precautionary measure against further flare-ups.

Sources said a group of protesters who were demanding release of Chinmoy Krishna Das swooped on lawyers in the court area. At least 10 lawyers were injured at the time. Advocate Saiful Islam Alif was fatally injured as he was hit on his head.

The death of Advocate Alif occurred at the time when protests had broken out throughout the area following the denial of bail to the former ISKCON Bangladesh leader, Chinmoy.

After the attack, the fellow lawyers sent the victim to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) where the on-duty doctor declared him dead.

Joint General Secretary of the Chattogram Bar Association Advocate Kashem Kamal said lawyer Alif was returning home after finishing work from the court. "Hundreds of angry mobs killed him in Laldighi Par area."

CMCH Director Brigadier Md Taslim Uddin said the victim was brought dead. He had head injuries.

Nurul Alam Ashek, duty officer of CMCH Police Outpost, confirmed the death and said the victim was brought in with a head injury.

Sources said Hindu priest Chinmoy Brahmachari was being taken to jail when protesters blocked the prison van carrying him for two and a half hours in the afternoon. Later, police dispersed the crowds by firing sound grenades and resorting to baton charge. The protests then spread to different areas.

"The marauders ransacked the shops and establishments at Laldighi and the court area in the port city till 7.00pm," says a spot account of the mayhem.

On the other hand, agitated students were holding a rally in the New Market area in protest against the attack on lawyers and the ransacking of the establishments and vehicles in the city by the supporters of ISKCON Bangladesh.

Tensions heightened in the New Market-to-Ander Killa area as the supporters of ISKCON were staying in the Laldighi-to-Ander Killa area while students holding rally and protests in the New Market-Kotowali area in the port city till the filling of this report at 8pm.

The law-enforcers are trying to control the situation. Huge police, RAB members are patrolling the flashpoint areas.

Meanwhile, a UNB report says ten platoons of BGB have been deployed in different parts of Dhaka and Chattogram amid growing tensions.

In Dhaka, four platoons BGB members were deployed at Shahbagh, Matshaya Bhaban and Hotel Intercontinental areas on Tuesday afternoon, said Md Shariful Islam, Public Relations Officer at the BGB headquarters.

Besides, six platoons of BGB were deployed in Chattogram to maintain the public order.

Members of the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari from near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday.

UNB adds: Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahanagir Alam Chowdhury is sniffing both local and international conspiracy against the country.

He disclosed as much while addressing journalists following a discussion with officials from various departments at Sylhet Circuit House on Tuesday evening.

Responding to a question about the arrest of Chinmoy, the adviser said there was a possibility of external influence in the matter.

The Home Adviser acknowledged that not all weapons stolen in August have been recovered yet, but operations are continuing to retrieve them.

The law and order situation has remarkably improved since August, and further progress is expected. For this, everyone's cooperation is essential, he said.

He also emphasized the government's efforts to enhance community policing, beginning in Dhaka before expanding nationwide.

Many false cases have been filed across the country. To prevent innocent people from being harassed, a committee will be formed. We urge citizens to report those filing fake cases, the adviser said.

India has expressed deep concern over the arrest and denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatan Jagran Jote.

"This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh," claimed the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday.

There are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities' homes and business establishments, as well as theft and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples, the Indian ministry said in a statement.

"It is unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, charges should be pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings," the statement reads.

India also expressed concern over what it claimed as attacks on minorities who were peacefully protesting the arrest of Das.

"We urge Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression," MEA said in its statement.

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