Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu, facing sedition charges in Bangladesh, encountered a significant legal setback on Tuesday when local lawyers refused to represent him during a scheduled bail hearing. The Chattogram court adjourned the hearing to January 2 after the Bar Association reportedly barred any legal professional from defending the religious leader.

Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu, formerly associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), was arrested on November 25 at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Following his arrest, Chattogram’s Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate court denied him bail and placed him in police custody.

Advocate Rabindra Ghosh, who traveled over 250 km from Dhaka to represent the monk, was allegedly denied access to the court premises by local groups, according to sources.

The situation escalated with reports of an attack on another lawyer who had previously defended Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu. Advocate Ramen Roy’s home was ransacked, and he was reportedly assaulted, leaving him in critical condition. He is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.

Radharamn Das, a spokesperson for ISKCON Kolkata, condemned the attack, describing it as “brutal” and part of a broader pattern of violence against the Hindu community in Bangladesh.

The case has highlighted growing tensions surrounding the treatment of religious minorities in the country. Rights groups have urged the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure a fair trial and protection for legal professionals involved in the case.

Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu remains in custody as calls for justice and communal harmony grow louder amidst the volatile situation.