A Bangladeshi lawyer, Advocate Ramen Roy, was reportedly attacked at his home for defending Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a Hindu monk arrested on sedition charges. According to Iskcon India, Roy’s residence was ransacked by assailants described as "Islamists," leaving him critically injured and in intensive care. The incident has drawn attention to the dangers faced by those advocating for the rights of religious minorities in Bangladesh.
Radharamn Das, Vice President and spokesperson of Iskcon India, highlighted the situation in a statement on Monday. "Advocate Ramen Roy is fighting for his life in the ICU. His only 'crime' was defending Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu in court," Das said. Speaking to local media, he called the attack a "direct consequence" of Roy’s legal work in support of the monk.
Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a former Iskcon monk and now spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sanmilito Sanatani Jagoron Jot, was arrested on November 25 at Dhaka airport. He faces sedition charges for allegedly disrespecting the Bangladeshi national flag during an October rally. His arrest has sparked significant unrest, with protests erupting in Dhaka and Chittagong. These demonstrations led to violent clashes with security forces, resulting in the death of a Muslim lawyer outside a Chittagong court. Police have since detained over 30 individuals connected to the violence.
The situation in Bangladesh has grown increasingly tense following the political turmoil earlier this year. Anti-Hindu violence has surged since the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August, which followed student-led protests against a controversial quota system. The Hindu community, which makes up roughly 8% of Bangladesh's population of 170 million, has reported over 200 attacks since the political upheaval began.
Advocate Roy’s attack has raised concerns over the safety of legal professionals and activists defending minority rights in the country.