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Mohd Yunus has said that he has ordered an investigation into the matter and directed the law enforcement agencies to increase the security in Chittagong.
Bangladesh Interim Govt Advisor Mohd Yunus (IMAGE: PTI)
Bangladesh’s Interim Government’s chief advisor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday condemned the killing of a lawyer during violent clashes erupted over the arrest of Hindu religious leader and International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu, and urged the people to keep calm and stay away from participating in any untoward activities.
Mohd Yunus has said that he has ordered an investigation into the matter and directed the law enforcement agencies to increase the security in Chittagong, in wake of the ongoing violent protests.
“Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has urged people to keep calm and stay away from participating in any untoward activities. The Interim Government is committed to ensuring and upholding communal harmony in Bangladesh at any cost,” the post on X read.
Lawyer Killed In Violent Clashes
A public-prosecutor was killed and several others were injured after a violent clash between Bangladeshi security forces and supporters of Hindu leader erupted after the latter was denied bail and sent to jail by a Chittagong Court.
The victim was identified as Saiful Islam, a 35-year-old assistant public prosecutor and a member of the Chattogram District Bar Association, the Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported.
Nurul Alam, a police inspector stationed at Chittagong Medical College Hospital told news agency AFP that public prosecutor Saiful Islam Alif succumbed to injuries sustained during the altercation. “He had deep injuries on his head,” confirmed hospital director Taslim Uddin.
Nazim Uddin Chowdhury, president of the Chittagong Lawyers’ Association, said that protesters dragged the lawyer from beneath his chamber and hacked him to death.
The clashes erupted when angry supporters surrounded a prison van carrying Chinmoy. Protesters hurled rocks, prompting security forces to use stun grenades and baton charges to disperse the crowd. The Hindu monk was eventually transferred to prison in a police vehicle.
The ISKCON leader associated with the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatan Jagaran Jote group, was arrested on Monday at the Dhaka airport. His organisation has been vocal in calling for protections for the Hindu minority in Bangladesh.
Chinmoy is facing a case of sedition in Bangladesh. The prosecutors have alleged that Chinmoy along with 19 others had disrespected the Bangladesh national flag.
Earlier today, India had expressed concern over the arrest and denial of bail to Hindu leader in Bangladesh, urging Dhaka to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities.
(With inputs from agencies)