In a significant legal development, a Bangladesh court has denied bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu monk and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. The decision was made by Chattogram Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Saiful Islam during a hearing held on January 2, 2025. Das has been in custody since November 25, 2024, facing sedition charges among others.
The bail hearing lasted approximately 30 minutes and was conducted under heightened security measures. A team of 11 lawyers represented Das, arguing that his arrest was based on false allegations. His legal team highlighted that Das suffers from several health issues, including diabetes and respiratory problems, and claimed that the charges against him were fabricated.
Radha Raman Das, Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata, expressed disappointment over the court’s ruling, stating, “It’s very sad news. We know that the entire world was keeping an eye on this. Everyone was expecting Chinmoy Prabhu will get freedom in the new year.” He urged the Bangladesh government to ensure justice for the imprisoned monk.
Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested following accusations of raising a saffron flag above Bangladesh’s national flag during a rally in Chattogram on October 25, which sparked widespread protests and violent clashes between his supporters and law enforcement. These events culminated in tragic outcomes, including the death of a lawyer during the unrest.
Following the court’s decision, Das plans to appeal to the Higher Court for bail. His case has raised significant concerns regarding the rights of religious minorities in Bangladesh, where Hindus make up about 8% of the population. The ongoing situation has drawn attention from international observers and human rights advocates who are calling for greater protections for minority communities in the country.
The case continues to unfold as advocates for Chinmoy Krishna Das remain hopeful for a favorable outcome in future hearings.
