In a shocking turn of events, ISKCON Kolkata has alleged that Regan Acharya, one of the lawyers representing Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, was brutally attacked after a hearing on Tuesday. This incident has sparked widespread outrage and concern among the Hindu and ISKCON communities in Bangladesh and India.
According to Radharamn Das, Vice President and spokesperson for ISKCON Kolkata, Acharya’s chambers were vandalized, and a video posted on social media showed the lawyer’s name on the signboard in Bengali. Radharamn questioned how any lawyer could represent Chinmoy Krishna Das when they are being targeted.
Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent Hindu monk and former spokesperson for Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, was arrested at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport last Monday on sedition charges. His bail hearing was postponed due to the unavailability of any lawyer to represent him, and his next hearing has been scheduled for January 2, 2025.
The situation In Bangladesh has grown increasingly tense since Chinmoy’s arrest, with many in the Hindu and ISKCON communities expressing outrage and concern. Radharamn Das had earlier claimed that advocate Ramen Roy, who defended Chinmoy in a legal case, was brutally attacked by “Islamists” and is currently battling for his life in a hospital.
The attack on Ramen Roy has left him critically injured, and he is currently in the ICU. Radharamn alleged that Roy’s “fault” was defending Chinmoy Das in court. This incident has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for action to protect the rights and safety of lawyers and human rights defenders in Bangladesh.
The ISKCON community has expressed deep concern over the safety and well-being of Chinmoy Krishna Das and has called for his immediate release. The community has also demanded action against those responsible for the attacks on Regan Acharya and Ramen Roy.
Timeline of Events:
Monday: Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on sedition charges.
Tuesday: ISKCON Kolkata alleges that Regan Acharya, one of the lawyers representing Chinmoy Krishna Das, was brutally attacked after a hearing.
Tuesday: Radharamn Das claims that advocate Ramen Roy, who defended Chinmoy in a legal case, was brutally attacked by “Islamists” and is currently battling for his life in a hospital.
January 2, 2025: Chinmoy Krishna Das’s next bail hearing is scheduled.
Reactions:
ISKCON Kolkata: Demands immediate release of Chinmoy Krishna Das and action against those responsible for the attacks on Regan Acharya and Ramen Roy.
Hindu and ISKCON communities: Express outrage and concern over the safety and well-being of Chinmoy Krishna Das and lawyers representing him.
Nasir Uddin Nayon, a Bangladeshi media personality, expressed his concerns about the current situation in Bangladesh, saying :
“Oh, it’s an absolutely appalling situation, a highly sensitive political issue… The government, which has always been a staunch supporter of India, has changed, and now the opposition party is doing a remarkable job by boycotting India. However, the general public is fervently eager to visit India, and they have a deep affection for the country… Honestly, I’m utterly disheartened by the whole situation. Let’s pray for the well-being of both Bangladesh and India and hope that everything works out for the best.”
International Response:
The international community has been urged to take notice of the growing tension and concern in Bangladesh and to call for the protection of the rights and safety of lawyers, human rights defenders, and minority communities.
As the situation in Bangladesh continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the growing outrage and concern among the Hindu and ISKCON communities. One thing is clear, however: the safety and well-being of lawyers, human rights defenders, and minority communities must be protected and respected. Stay connected for more updates.
By Anusmita Bhatta
Reporting for True To Life News Media Pvt. Ltd.