Unabated anarchy

Arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das has worsened the situation in Bangladesh which is already grappling with lawlessness, political turmoil, media suppression, and communal tensions post the regime change on August 5

- SHANTANU MUKHARJI

There has been no letup in the communal tension that has gripped Bangladesh following the arrest of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das and the subsequent violence after his appearance in a Chittagong court, where he was denied bail. Although the detained Hindu leader had appealed for calm and tranquillity, a Muslim lawyer was murdered, and Islamic radicals, along with the government, have blamed Hindus for the killing, further inflaming the volatile situation. While reports are still being verified, it is alleged that Islamic miscreants have begun vandalising Hindu places of worship in Chittagong. Irresponsible calls by certain religious extremists to target Hindus as part of a vendetta have exacerbated the crisis. By the time this piece goes to print, the situation could be more serious as things look pretty out of control, taking the shape of a full-fledged violence on communal lines—affecting many districts of Bangladesh.