Chattogram, Bangladesh — In a shocking act of violence, Saiful Islam, a 32-year-old Muslim lawyer representing the state against former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, was brutally murdered by extremist followers of the Hindu religious leader on Sunday. The incident has sparked fears of escalating communal tensions in the region.
The violence erupted at the Chattogram Court Building area as thousands of Brahmachari’s supporters staged a protest, blocking a prison vehicle and demanding their leader’s release. Amid the chaos, eyewitnesses reported that Saiful was dragged to Rangam Convention Hall around 3:30 p.m. by Brahmachari’s followers and attacked with sharp weapons.
Nazim Uddin Chowdhury, president of the Chattogram District Bar Association, told The Daily Star, “Eyewitnesses saw Saiful being hacked by Chinmoy’s supporters during the unrest.” Mohammad Didar, a local employee, added, “Some of Chinmoy’s followers hacked the lawyer on the road next to Rangam Convention Hall.” Despite efforts by locals to rescue him and rush him to Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH), Saiful succumbed to his injuries around 4:00 p.m.
The murder of Saiful, a Muslim lawyer targeted by followers of a Hindu religious figure, has heightened fears of potential communal violence. Tensions between religious communities could escalate as the act is seen as an attack on a representative of justice and a member of the Muslim majority.
Authorities suspect instigators may have exploited the situation to foment unrest. The Home Adviser noted, “There could be instigations from both home and abroad. Some banned groups may also be involved.”
The incident underscores a worrying trend of religious intolerance and radicalism, posing a serious threat to Bangladesh’s social harmony. Legal professionals, especially those representing sensitive cases, face increasing risks.
Saiful’s death has drawn sharp condemnation, with many calling for swift justice to prevent further deterioration of communal relations. Investigations are ongoing to identify the perpetrators and their motives.
