Mon Dec 02 18:40:35 UTC 2024: ## Lawyer Defending Jailed Hindu Priest Attacked in Bangladesh, Claims ISKCON; Contradictory Reports Emerge

**Dhaka, Bangladesh –** The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) alleges that Advocate Ramen Roy, the lawyer defending arrested Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, was brutally attacked and is currently hospitalized in critical condition. ISKCON spokesperson Radharaman Das made the claim on X (formerly Twitter), stating that Roy’s “only fault” was defending Brahmachari, who faces sedition charges. Das’s post called for prayers and used the hashtags #SaveBangladeshiHindus and #FreeChinmoyKrishnaPrabhu.

However, numerous Bangladeshi lawyers have denied the incident occurred. This follows previous unsubstantiated online reports claiming another lawyer defending Brahmachari was killed. Investigations later revealed that the deceased lawyer, Saiful Islam, was an assistant public prosecutor and not involved in Brahmachari’s defense.

Brahmachari, a former prominent ISKCON leader, was arrested last month following protests by the Hindu community in Rangpur demanding increased protection for minorities. His case is scheduled for a hearing on December 3rd. He was denied bail earlier this week.

The alleged attack on Roy comes amid widespread political violence and protests concerning minority rights in Bangladesh, sparked by the recent political upheaval. ISKCON further claims that two of Brahmachari’s disciples have disappeared in Chattogram, following the arrest of another Hindu monk, Shyam Das Prabhu.

India has strongly condemned Brahmachari’s arrest and expressed concerns about the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. The arrest has also drawn criticism from Indian religious leaders and civil society groups. Protests have erupted in several Indian states bordering Bangladesh, with Tripura even seeing a boycott of Bangladeshi tourists by some businesses. An incident involving protesters allegedly entering the Bangladeshi mission in Agartala has also been reported and condemned by the Indian government. The situation remains tense and deeply concerning for both countries.

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