Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has strongly condemned the recent killing of lawyer Saiful Islam and the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, calling for the latter’s immediate release.
Hasina, currently in exile in India after her government was ousted in August, accused the interim regime led by Muhammad Yunus of widespread human rights violations and failure to ensure the safety of minorities.
In a statement released by her Awami League, Hasina criticized the government’s handling of the situation, particularly the growing attacks on minority communities. “A top leader of the Sanatan religious community has been unjustly arrested. He must be released immediately,” she said, while highlighting the systemic targeting of places of worship, including a temple burnt in Chittagong.
“Previously, mosques, shrines, churches, monasteries, and homes of the Ahmadiyya community were attacked, vandalized, and looted. Religious freedom and security of life and property of all communities should be ensured,” she added.
Violent Protests in Chittagong
The unrest escalated when followers of Chinmoy Krishna Das clashed with security forces after Das was denied bail by a Chittagong court in a sedition case. Assistant public prosecutor Saiful Islam was killed in the violence. Hasina expressed strong disapproval, stating, “I am expressing strong protest against this murder. Those involved in this murder will have to be found and punished quickly.”
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She called the perpetrators “terrorists” and demanded immediate accountability: “Whoever they are, they will be punished.”
Human Rights Violations and Political Criticism
Hasina accused the interim government of undermining human rights and suppressing opposition voices. She labeled the regime’s actions as anarchist and terror-driven. “The present power grabbers are showing failure in every field. If the government fails to punish these terrorists, it too will face consequences for violating human rights,” she warned.
The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das has triggered international concern, with India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressing dismay over the attacks on Bangladesh’s Hindu minority. In a statement, the MEA said, “We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das.”
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The incident has reignited protests within the Hindu community, which has faced over 200 reported attacks since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5.
Sheikh Hasina’s Call for Unity
In her statement, Hasina urged the people of Bangladesh to stand together against violence and oppression. “I appeal to the countrymen; everyone should stand against this kind of terror. Stand united,” she said.
