Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu leader associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), was arrested from Dhaka airport on Monday on several charges, including sedition.
His arrest sparked protests by his supporters in both the capital Dhaka and Chittagong city.
"A Muslim lawyer defending Das was killed amid protests outside the court (in Chittagong)," said police officer Liaquat Ali.
A probe has been ordered into the alleged killing, the caretaker government said in a statement, adding that Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus had directed law enforcement agencies to step up security in the port city.
"The interim government is committed to ensuring and upholding communal harmony in Bangladesh at any cost," the government said.
Das faces sedition charges filed in October after leading a large rally in Chittagong, in which he was accused of disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag and was denied bail by a court in Chittagong on Tuesday.
'RAMPAGE'
When Das was being escorted back to prison from court, more than 2,000 supporters surrounded the van, blocking it for over two hours, Chittagong Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasib Aziz, said.
"They went on a rampage, throwing bricks at us. To disperse the crowd, we had to fire tear gas. No one was seriously injured, but one of our constables was hurt," Aziz said.
India condemned the arrest of Das, saying in a sternly worded statement that the perpetrators of documented vandalism and arson against minorities as well as those who desecrated deities remained at large.
Hindu-majority India has strong cultural and business ties with its neighbour and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has expressed concern over a spate of attacks on Hindus.
"It is unfortunate that, while the perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, charges should be pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings," the Indian foreign ministry statement said.
Bangladesh's foreign ministry, responding to India, said the government does not interfere in the judiciary's work, and the matter was being dealt with by the court of law.
"The Government of Bangladesh is also committed to upholding communal harmony in the country," the ministry said.
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Azerbaijan's reforms boosting women's employment were hailed at World Bank/IMF meetings. Opening 674 jobs, including train driving, these changes embody a giant leap. Samira, the first female railway driver, proves dreams are now possible.
Canada will reach NATO’s 2% defense spending target this fiscal year—years ahead of schedule—Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Monday, pledging billions in new military investments amid rising global security concerns.
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Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 8th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay is in critical condition after being shot three times — including twice in the head — during a campaign event in Bogotá.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has condemned U.S. immigration raids and National Guard deployment in Los Angeles, calling for reforms instead of enforcement.
A 30-year-old woman was shot by police in Munich on Saturday evening after stabbing two people at Theresienwiese, a central park best known for hosting Oktoberfest.
Israel’s military says it has identified the body of top Hamas commander Mohammed Sinwar beneath a hospital in southern Gaza.
Six people on board a small plane were killed Sunday afternoon when the aircraft crashed into the Pacific Ocean shortly after taking off from San Diego International Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Italian efforts to ease citizenship laws and tighten labor protections failed on Monday after low voter turnout rendered the referendums invalid, marking a political win for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and a blow to the centre-left opposition.
Canada will reach NATO’s 2% defense spending target this fiscal year—years ahead of schedule—Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Monday, pledging billions in new military investments amid rising global security concerns.
South African authorities have confirmed the deaths of a pilot and two passengers after a light aircraft crashed on Sunday in the KwaZulu-Natal province.
The UK government is exploring new online safety measures that could impose time limits and curfews on children's use of social media apps, in response to growing concerns about digital addiction and harmful content.
Six people on board a small plane were killed Sunday afternoon when the aircraft crashed into the Pacific Ocean shortly after taking off from San Diego International Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Italian efforts to ease citizenship laws and tighten labor protections failed on Monday after low voter turnout rendered the referendums invalid, marking a political win for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and a blow to the centre-left opposition.
Azerbaijan's reforms boosting women's employment were hailed at World Bank/IMF meetings. Opening 674 jobs, including train driving, these changes embody a giant leap. Samira, the first female railway driver, proves dreams are now possible.
Canada will reach NATO’s 2% defense spending target this fiscal year—years ahead of schedule—Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Monday, pledging billions in new military investments amid rising global security concerns.
Researchers at the University of Miami have discovered 230 new giant viruses in global ocean waters, shedding light on their hidden role in marine ecosystems and their potential impact on public health.
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