Violence Erupts in Chattogram Following ISKCON Leader’s Arrest, Political Leaders Condemn Attacks

CHATTOGRAM — The arrest and imprisonment of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari has sparked violent clashes in the port city of Chattogram, with allegations of planned political incitement fueling the unrest. Witnessing the violence firsthand, prominent theatre personality and coordinator of the Citizens’ Unity political party in Chattogram, Swapna Majumder, has called the attacks a politically motivated act.

In a Facebook post, Majumder described the scene at the Chattogram court building where peaceful protests by Hindus were suddenly interrupted by violent attackers. “I was leaving the court building when I saw Sanatan religious followers peacefully protesting. Suddenly, they were violently attacked, and a group of angry people began throwing bricks while shouting ‘Allahu Akbar.’ I was stunned, not knowing what to do,” he wrote.

Majumder went on to describe how some young protesters sought refuge in a mosque, but even there, they were hit by bricks. He emphasized that no Hindu had attacked the mosque, despite the rumors spreading quickly that a mosque had been targeted. “The rumor of a mosque attack spread rapidly, which then fueled hostility towards the Hindu community,” he said.

As Majumder moved from Laldighi to Andarkilla, he saw that the false rumors about a mosque being attacked had led some local Muslims to retaliate against Hindus. “I realized that communal violence had begun, and indeed, that’s what happened. I felt helpless,” he said.

He also pointed out that some local people were expressing anger toward the Hindu community, saying, “The Hindus have become too bold.”

In response to these comments, Majumder remarked, “After August 5th, everyone was supposed to be free to speak their minds and express themselves peacefully.”

Majumder further noted that local leaders from the BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) also raised concerns about the government’s role in the events. According to them, there was no justification for the arrest of Brahmachari Chinmoy, and they claimed that the current government was afraid of the people.

Reflecting on the situation, Majumder said, “I felt ashamed because I am also part of this government.”

He also revealed that when he called Dhaka to inquire who was behind the attacks and legal actions, he was told, “The government no longer considers anyone an ally.”

In light of the escalating tensions, Majumder proposed that the government should form community-based harmony alliances involving all political parties. “The government cannot function without political leaders, but we must work to sustain this government,” he suggested.

The violence in Chattogram, fueled by religious and political tensions, continues to spread, highlighting the fragile state of communal relations in the region.