Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has strongly condemned the recent killing of a lawyer in Chittagong and the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das.

Calling for justice in both cases, Hasina emphasised the need for swift action to ensure accountability. She urged citizens to stand united against acts of terror and violence, reinforcing the importance of national solidarity in maintaining peace and harmony.

"I am expressing strong protest against this murder. Those involved in this murder will have to be found and punished quickly," Hasina said, stressing the importance of accountability.

The violence erupted on Tuesday when Saiful Islam, an assistant public prosecutor, was killed during clashes between security forces and followers of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das. The unrest broke out after the Chittagong court denied bail to Das in a sedition case. The confrontation escalated rapidly, resulting in Islam’s tragic death.

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina criticised the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, accusing it of unconstitutionally seizing power and failing to protect human rights. She condemned the killing as a grave violation of fundamental rights and called for accountability to prevent further unrest.

"Human rights have been severely violated through this incident," she said. "A lawyer had gone to fulfill his professional duties, and he was beaten to death in this manner. They are terrorists. Whoever they are, they will be punished," she added.  

Warning of consequences if justice is not served, Hasina said, "If the government, which has unconstitutionally seized power, fails to punish these terrorists, then it will also have to face punishment for violating human rights." 

She also condemned the arrest of Das, calling for his immediate release. "A top leader of the Hindu community has been wrongfully arrested. He will have to be released immediately," she stated.  

Hasina also highlighted the growing incidents of religious violence, citing the demolition of a temple in Chittagong as a recent example. She referenced previous attacks on places of worship, including mosques, churches, monasteries, and properties of the Ahmadiyya community, calling attention to the alarming rise in such acts of intolerance and discrimination.

"A temple has been demolished in Chittagong. Earlier, mosques, shrines, churches, monasteries, and houses of the Ahmadiyya community were attacked and destroyed. They were looted and set on fire," she said, calling for the protection of religious freedom and the safety of all communities.  

The former Prime Minister urged the people of Bangladesh to stand united. "I appeal to the countrymen; everyone should stand against this kind of terror. Stand united," she said. "It is important to ensure the safety of life and property of common people. The present power grabbers are showing failure in every field."  

Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on Monday at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport as he was about to travel to Chittagong for a rally. His detention has sparked widespread protests and created a diplomatic rift, with India condemning the attacks on minorities who had demonstrated against his arrest. The unrest has further intensified tensions and drawn international attention to the situation.

"We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das," the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.  

Hasina also criticised the government’s approach to security, accusing it of targeting political opponents and mishandling law enforcement. "After killing countless Awami League leaders, students, and public and law enforcement officers, terrorism is done through assault, case, and arrest," she said. "I strongly condemn and protest against the plaintiff's actions."