The Bangladesh High Court on Thursday rejected the bail plea of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON monk. The decision was made by Chattogram Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Saiful Islam after a 30-minute hearing.
The bail petition, which cited Das’s medical conditions such as diabetes and respiratory issues, claimed he was wrongfully detained in a false case. Despite these arguments, the court denied bail, marking the second rejection following an earlier session court decision on December 11, 2024, which cited the lack of a lawyer’s letter of attorney.
The hearing involved a bench of 11 lawyers, as reported by The Daily Star, highlighting the case’s sensitivity and high-profile nature.
Reaction from ISKCON
Radha Raman Das, Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata, expressed deep concern over the denial of bail. Speaking to ANI, he said, “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, but even after 42 days, his bail was rejected. Bangladesh government should ensure that he gets justice.”
Charges Against Chinmoy Krishna Das
Chinmoy Krishna Das, also a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote, was taken into custody on October 25, 2024. He faces charges of sedition for allegedly raising a saffron flag above the national flag of Bangladesh. This incident triggered nationwide outrage, protests, and unrest.
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The case comes amid rising concerns for the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh. Instances such as the torching of ISKCON’s Dhaka center have drawn international attention, prompting calls for greater protection of minority communities.
The case has drawn criticism from human rights advocates and religious organizations. Many urge the Bangladeshi government to ensure a fair trial and to address the broader safety concerns of minority groups in the country.
This developing story remains under global scrutiny. Further updates will follow as the situation progresses.
