ছবি: The deceased lawyer.
Chaos erupted in Chattogram on Tuesday (November 26) after the court denied bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das, former leader of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and spokesperson for the Bangladesh United Sanatan Awakening Alliance. Following the verdict, hundreds of his followers staged violent protests outside the court premises, leading to the tragic death of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif and injuries to at least 20 others.
Alif, a recently appointed assistant public prosecutor, was fatally struck on the head with a brick during the clashes. The incident occurred near the Rangam Convention Hall at around 3:30 PM. Despite being rushed to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.
Followers Stage Protests, Police Resort to Force
The unrest began around noon when followers of Chinmoy Das surrounded the prison van carrying him after his bail application was denied by the Chattogram Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate Court. Protesters lay down on the ground to block the vehicle and demanded a fresh hearing. Senior police officials attempted negotiations, but the situation escalated as the demonstrators refused to disperse.
At around 2:50 PM, police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel resorted to baton charges and deployed sound grenades to scatter the protesters. The prison van’s tires were deflated by the crowd, but authorities managed to escort Chinmoy Das to Chattogram Central Jail in a different vehicle.
Widespread Violence and Damage
The protests spread to surrounding areas, with followers vandalizing over 20 vehicles, including military jeeps, public transport, and media personnel's motorcycles. Court property and nearby structures were also damaged. Police stations reported injuries among officers, including Kotwali Police OC Kazi Rafique, due to stone pelting.
Law enforcement fired tear gas and sound grenades to disperse the mob, which extended the unrest to Laldighi, Anderkilla, and other central areas, disrupting traffic for hours. Civilians, including local businesses, eventually joined police efforts to restore order.
Background on Chinmoy Das
Chinmoy Krishna Das, once a prominent figure in ISKCON, was expelled from the organization recently. He now leads the Bangladesh United Sanatan Awakening Alliance and serves as the principal of Pundarik Dham in Hathazari, Chattogram. The sedition case leading to his arrest stems from allegations of anti-state activities following a public rally at Laldighi Maidan on October 25. He was arrested in Dhaka on November 25 and presented in court the next morning.
Further Legal Proceedings Scheduled
Deputy Commissioner of Prosecution Humayun Kabir confirmed that a fresh bail hearing for Chinmoy Krishna Das has been scheduled for Wednesday (November 27) at the Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court. Meanwhile, the legal community and general public have condemned the violence, staging their own demonstrations demanding accountability for the attack on court premises.
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