A lawyer defending Chinmoy Das, a Hindu monk accused of sedition, has been brutally attacked in Bangladesh. This distressing incident comes hours ahead of the Bangladesh High court hearing of the case on December 3. Mr. Radharamn Das, Vice President and spokesperson of Iskcon India shared this news on his social media.
In form of a tweet on X, he shared, “Please pray for Advocate Ramen Roy. His only ‘fault’ was defending Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu in court. Islamists ransacked his home and brutally attacked him, leaving him in the ICU, fighting for his life.”
Please pray for Advocate Ramen Roy. His only 'fault' was defending Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu in court.
Islamists ransacked his home and brutally attacked him, leaving him in the ICU, fighting for his life.#SaveBangladeshiHindus #FreeChinmoyKrishnaPrabhu pic.twitter.com/uudpC10bpN
— Radharamn Das राधारमण दास (@RadharamnDas) December 2, 2024
‘Growing Danger..’
Reportedly, Mr. Radharamn Das, told a Bengali news channel that the attack on lawyer Ramen Roy was a “direct consequence” of defending Chinmoy Das. The incident, he said, “reflects the growing danger faced by those who defend the rights of religious minorities in Bangladesh.”
Last month, authorities arrested Chinmoy Das, a prominent Hindu monk and leader of Iskcon Bangladesh, in Dhaka, following protests in Rangpur. The protestors were seeking legal protection for minorities in Bangladesh. Following these protests, authorities arrested Mr. Das, accusing him of sedition and denying him bail. Reports indicate that authorities filed a sedition case against him due to his outspoken stance on minority rights in the country.
Speaking to ANI, Mr Radharamn Das, expressed the volatile situation in Bangladesh. He said, “We hope that Chinmoy Krishna Das will get justice today. We have seen that he is in jail for a long time.” Commenting on his lawyer, Radharamn Das was quoted saying, “We have got information that his previous advocate has Raman Roy who was attacked is in the ICU and in serious condition. We request the Bangladesh Government to provide security to the advocate of Chinmoy Krishna Das.”
He further expressed that he has “no information” regarding Mr. Chinmoy Das’s treatment in jail. Expressing his concern about the health and security of Chinmoy Das, he said, “We hope that he will describe his situation today when he reaches the court. We are concerned about his health and security.”
#WATCH | West Bengal: Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata, Radha Raman says, "We hope that Chinmoy Krishna Das will get justice today. We have seen that he is in jail for a long time. We have got information that his previous advocate has Raman Roy who was attacked is in the ICU and… pic.twitter.com/tj9xGSR1L3
— ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2024
No Reasons For Arrest?
Overall, since the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, the political climate of Bangladesh has been tense. There’s been widespread violence and protests over the condition of minorities in Bangladesh.
Mr. Radharamn Das previously stated that authorities in Bangladesh arrested a total of four Iskcon Brahmacharis. Including two who had gone to provide medicine to Chinmoy Das and his secretary. He claimed they weren’t provided any reasons for their arrest.
Speaking to ANI, he said, “Till now 4 ISKCON Brahmacharis are arrested in Bangladesh. When two of them went to provide medicine to Chinmoy Das Prabhu, the police arrested them. Secretary of Chinmoy Das has also been arrested. He further added, “One of the temples was closed earlier, yesterday one other temple was destroyed. They haven’t given any reason for arrest. All the ISKCON volunteers are feeling helpless today… We have temples in 150 countries, 850 big temples and over a thousand centers – crores of ISKCON devotees are praying for the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.”
#WATCH | West Bengal | Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata, Radha Raman says, "Till now 4 ISKCON Brahmacharis are arrested in Bangladesh. When two of them went to provide medicine to Chinmoy Das Prabhu, the police arrested them. Secretary of Chinmoy Das has also been arrested… One… pic.twitter.com/GEzqEvad8t
— ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2024
Meanwhile, according to News18 sources, Chinmoy Das suffered a major setback in today’s hearing as lawyers denied appearing for him in the court hearing today. As a result, the Chattogram court postponed the hearing to 2 January. Reportedly, Lawyers from the Bar Association prohibited any legal professional from defending the Hindu religious leader.
India had condemned the arrest and denial of bail to Chinmoy Das and had urged the Bangladesh government to ensure safety of Hindus who are in minority there.