Iskcon India has reported a disturbing incident in which a Bangladeshi lawyer, Advocate Ramen Roy, was allegedly “brutally attacked by Islamists” at his home. The attack, which left Roy critically injured and fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), follows his defense of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, who was arrested on sedition charges.
Radharamn Das, Vice President and spokesperson of Iskcon India, took to social media to share the news on Monday night. He condemned the attack, stating that Roy’s only “fault” was defending Chinmoy Krishna Das in court. According to Das, Islamists reportedly ransacked Roy’s home and viciously attacked him.
Das further emphasized the dangerous trend for those who defend the rights of religious minorities in Bangladesh, calling the assault a “direct consequence” of Roy’s legal defense of the monk. He added that the situation highlights the growing risks faced by advocates and individuals speaking out for minority communities in the country.
Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested on November 25 at Dhaka airport, is facing charges of sedition for allegedly insulting Bangladesh’s national flag during a rally in October. Prior to his arrest, the monk had been expelled from Iskcon and was serving as a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sanmilito Sanatani Jagoron Jot, an organization advocating for the rights of Hindus in Bangladesh. His arrest has sparked widespread protests, particularly in Dhaka and Chittagong, where clashes between his supporters and security forces have led to significant unrest.
The violence surrounding his arrest has intensified following the death of a Muslim lawyer in Chittagong, who was reportedly killed during protests outside a court. Authorities have arrested at least 33 individuals in connection to the violence.
The recent spate of anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh has escalated since early August, when student protests against a controversial quota system evolved into a larger anti-government movement. The protests ultimately led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Since then, the Hindu minority, making up only about 8 percent of Bangladesh’s 170 million population, has faced over 200 attacks, according to reports.
The situation in Bangladesh remains tense, with concerns mounting over the safety and rights of religious minorities in the country.
