At least one person was killed in Bangladesh in clashes between security forces and Hindus protesting against the arrest of a religious leader, police said, even as neighbouring India urged that the safety of Hindus and minorities be ensured.

Bangladesh stepped up security in the port city of Chittagong on Wednesday as police arrested six people in connection with the murder of a lawyer, who was killed during clashes following the arrest of a leader of the country's Hindu minority.

In Bangladesh, minority Hindus held protests in response to the arrest and denied bail of priest Chinmoy Prabhu, leading to clashes with security forces.