Six arrested amid massive protests demanding justice for murdered Bangladeshi lawyer Saiful Islam Alif

Bangladesh police have arrested six suspects in connection with the killing of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif in Chittagong city during a clash between police and followers of arrested Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, media reports said.

The six were identified through video footage, The Daily Star reported quoting the press wing of the Chief Adviser’s office.

The police also detained 21 people for vandalising and assaulting cops during Tuesday’s clash outside the Chittagong court where the arrested ISKCON leader was presented.

According to reports, police resorted to lathi-charge and clashed with the protesting followers of Chinmoy Krishna Das outside the court after the Hindu monk’s bail plea was rejected.

The lawyer sustained severe injuries during the clash and was rushed to Chittagong Medical College Hospital where the doctors pronounced him dead.

At least 10 people were reportedly injured during the clash.

Lawyers demand justice for Saiful Islam Alif

A large number of lawyers demonstrated in Dhaka over the killing of Saiful Islam Alif and demanded justice for him.

More than 200 lawyers participated in the demonstration and gave a 24-hour deadline to authorities to arrest those involved in the incident.

They warned that court and other legal operations would be disrupted if their demands were not met.

Advocate Syed Nazrul Islam told Dhaka Tribune: “Identified assailants have murdered one of our own. They must be brought to justice within 24 hours. If not, we will take necessary actions as a united body, and all courts across the country will cease operations.”

Chittagong witnessing demonstrations

A large number of people from different sections of society protested in Chittagong city and demanded a trial for those involved in the killing of the lawyer.

The protest began around 12:00pm at the Tigerpass intersection in Chattogram city, reported The Daily Star.

Tasnimul Hasan Jaki, Saiful’s nephew, told the newspaper, “We didn’t know anything about the incident until we received a call from Chittagong Medical College Hospital around 3:45pm. By the time we reached the hospital, he was already dead.”

Arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das

Earlier on Tuesday, the Bangladeshi court sent Chinmoy Krishna Das, who has been arrested on multiple charges including sedition, to prison after rejecting his bail plea, triggering protests from the minority community and his followers.

On Monday, when Brahmachari was leaving the country, he was stopped by the Bangladeshi authorities and was taken to a police station.

Amid protests against his arrest, the Hindu minority leader was presented before Judge Kazi Shariful Islam of the Chittagong Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court.

India reacts to Hindu monk’s arrest

India has reacted to the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das and urged the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities in the South Asian country reeling under chaos since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina.

The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern over the arrest of the Hindu monk.

“We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh,” MEA said in a statement.