Bangladesh: Further protests likely nationwide through late December over arrest of prominent Hindu religious leader /update 5

Further protests are likely across Bangladesh through late December over the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu religious leader from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), on sedition charges. Since his arrest on Nov. 25, related protests, primarily by the Hindu community, have occurred nationwide, particularly in Chattogram and Dhaka. Additionally, an attack on the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, India, on Dec. 2 linked to Das' detention, has also prompted additional protests. The main opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP) has also held protests, including a long-distance march on from its office in Dhaka's Naya Paltan to the Akhaura-Agartala border crossing on Dec. 11.

Related demonstrations of varying types, including marches, are likely in major urban centers, especially Chattogram and Dhaka. Potential gathering sites include Indian diplomatic and consular facilities like the High Commission of India in Dhaka, Hindu temples and other worship sites, universities, public squares, and thoroughfares. Das' next bail hearing is scheduled for Jan. 2 at the Metropolitan Magistrate's Court in Chattogram, which could also draw gatherings at the location. Well-attended rallies could draw hundreds to thousands of participants. Officials will almost certainly maintain a heightened security posture in areas subject to such protest activities.

Depending on the severity of the perceived threat, authorities could use force to disperse overly unruly crowds and enact enhanced security measures, including temporary public movement restrictions. Further clashes between police and activists, as well as between members of opposing groups, are possible. Isolated security incidents, such as arson, targeted killings, and vandalism, cannot be ruled out. Associated localized business and transport disruptions are likely.