Dhaka [Bangladesh], November 26 (HBTV): A lawyer was killed in Bangladesh's Chittagong city on Tuesday following clashes over the arrest of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, authorities confirmed. Saiful Islam Alif, a member of the Chittagong Bar Association, was reportedly hacked to death, according to Ashraf Hossain Razzak, General Secretary of the Bar Association.

The unrest erupted after a court rejected the bail plea of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, leading to protests by thousands who demanded his release. Protesters blocked a prison van, prompting law enforcement agencies to fire tear gas and sound grenades to disperse the crowd. After two hours of clashes, the priest was sent to jail.

The Chittagong Bar Association has called for a suspension of court activities on Wednesday in protest against the killing of their member. Security has been heightened in Chittagong and Dhaka as tensions rise.

Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on sedition charges for allegedly hoisting a flag atop a structure displaying Bangladesh’s national flag. A minority leader stated that the complainant in the case has withdrawn his support for the charges, further fueling controversy.

The Bangladesh Hindu Bouddha Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC), the largest minority advocacy group in the country, condemned the arrest and called for the priest's immediate release. Acting General Secretary Manindra Kumar Nath warned that the incident could harm Bangladesh's international reputation regarding freedom of expression and human rights.

Chinmoy Krishna Das was reportedly mobilizing the Hindu community with an "8-point demand" aimed at securing minority rights in Bangladesh. Protests erupted nationwide, including in Dhaka, following his arrest at the Dhaka airport on Monday.   (ANI)