Bangladesh unrest: Sheikh Hasina slams 'unjust' arrest of Hindu priest, lashes out at 'current power grabbers'

Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday broke her silence over the arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Das in Dhaka, which has sparked massive protests across the neighbouring country.

Hasina, who is currently in asylum in India, released a statement condemning the "unjust" arrest of the former ISKCON priest and called for his immediate release.

In the statement, posted on X by news agency IANS, Hasina also spoke about the killing of a lawyer during protests in Chittagong after the arrest, saying that those involved in the murder "should be found and punished quickly."

"A lawyer has been killed in Chittagong, strongly protesting this murder. Those involved in this murder should be found and punished quickly. Human rights have been grossly violated through this incident. A lawyer went to perform his professional duties, and those who beat him to death are terrorists. Whoever they are must be punished," she said.

She said that the "unconstitutionally usurped" Yunus govt will face punishment for human rights violations if it fails to take action over the murder.

Hasina also appealed to the people of the country to stand united against "terrorism and militancy".

Mounting a stinging attack on the Yunus government, she said: "The current power grabbers are showing failure in all areas. Failed to control the prices of daily necessities, failed to provide security for people's lives. Strongly condemn these tortures directly and indirectly on common people."

She also spoke about the "unjust" arrest of Das and called for his immediate release.

"A temple has been burnt in Chittagong. Previously, mosques, shrines, churches, monasteries and homes of the Ahmadiyya community were attacked, vandalized and looted and set on fire. Religious freedom and security of life and property of people of all communities should be ensured," she said.

The ousted PM added that she strongly condemns these "anarchist activities" in the country.

Bangladesh has been in the grip of violence over the arrest of the Hindu priest and a rise in attacks on minorities.

India has expressed concerns over the developments and urged the Yunus government to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities as well as their places of worship.

Earlier this year, Bangladesh was thrown into deep turmoil after massive protests by students forced Sheikh Hasina to resign as the Prime Minister and flee the country in August. She took refuge in India.

The protests were triggered by a long-running resentment over a reservation system that saw 56% of government positions in Bangladesh reserved for various groups, including 30% for the descendants of freedom fighters who fought in the 1971 War of Independence.

After Hasina's exit, Yunus (84), who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his pioneering work on microlending, was designated head of the interim government after President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved parliament.