Bangladesh Police file case against Hindu monk Chinmony Das, his followers

A case was filed against Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das and hundreds of his followers in Bangladesh in connection with the reported clash last month between police and the monk's supporters in Chattogram, who were arrested on sedition charges.

The case, filed by Enamul Haque, a Hefazat-e-Islam activist, named Das as the main accused alongside 164 identified people and up to 500 unidentified persons, according to a Bangladesh daily.

Haque alleged he was attacked by Das’ followers on November 26 at the Chittagong court premises for wearing traditional attire. He claimed the assault left him with a fractured right hand and head injuries, requiring hospital treatment. Haque attributed the delay in filing the complaint to his prolonged recovery.

Earlier, police registered three cases on November 27 at Kotwali Police Station against several people following clashes related to Das’ detention. Another case was lodged on December 3 by a businessman alleging an assault near Rangam Cinema Hall, implicating political activists and ISKCON members.

The violence escalated after Das, a former ISKCON member and spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sommilito Sanatani Jagaran Jote, was arrested at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal Airport on November 25. Protests erupted nationwide, including a demonstration in Chattogram where Assistant Government Prosecutor Saiful Islam Alif was killed.

Das remains in custody after a court deferred his bail hearing to January 2, citing a lack of legal representation.

Relations between India and Bangladesh have deteriorated since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took power in August, following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Continued attacks on Hindus and Das’ arrest have further strained ties.