Bangladesh: Further protests likely nationwide through mid-December over arrest of prominent Hindu religious leader /update 3

Further protests are likely across Bangladesh through mid-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 Nov. 25, related protests primarily by the Hindu community have occurred nationwide, particularly in Chattogram and Dhaka. Additionally, a recent attack on the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, India, linked to Das' detention has also prompted additional protests. On Dec. 2, student activists gathered at various locations, including the Assistant High Commission of India, Khulna, and Dhaka University. The unrest has sporadically turned violent; on Nov. 26, clashes between supporters, lawyers, and law enforcement personnel in Chattogram resulted in at least one death and 10 injuries. On Nov. 29, hundreds of anti-Hindu protesters attacked and vandalized three Hindu temples in Chattogram.

Additional demonstrations of varying types, including marches, are likely to occur in major urban centers, especially Chattogram and Dhaka. Potential gathering sites include Indian diplomatic facilities, Hindu temples, universities, public squares, and thoroughfares. Well-attended rallies could draw 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. Additional isolated security incidents, such as arson, targeted killings, and vandalism, cannot be ruled out. Associated localized business and transport disruptions are highly likely.