Dhaka:
In a significant development that has sparked widespread concern, a Bangladesh court has rejected the bail plea of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent Hindu monk and spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. This decision comes despite Das’s health issues and the contentious nature of the charges against him.
Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), was arrested on November 25 at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on charges of sedition. His bail petition, heard by Chattogram Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Saiful Islam, argued that Das has been arrested in a false and fabricated case. The petition also highlighted that Das is suffering from various serious health conditions, including diabetes and respiratory problems.
The bail hearing, which lasted 30 minutes and was conducted under heightened security, saw a team of 11 lawyers representing Das. However, the court refused to grant him bail, a decision that has been met with disappointment from his supporters.
The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das has been a flashpoint for unrest in Bangladesh. The sedition charges were filed after he allegedly raised a saffron flag above the national flag in Chittagong on October 25. This incident triggered protests and violent clashes between his followers and law enforcement outside the Chattogram Court Building on November 27, resulting in the death of a lawyer.
Radha Raman Das, Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata, expressed his dismay at the court’s decision. “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 in a hearing today… Bangladesh government should ensure that he gets justice,” he stated.
Earlier attempts to secure bail for Das had been postponed due to threats against the lawyers representing him. On December 11, a Chattogram court had also denied him bail due to the absence of a lawyer’s letter of attorney on his behalf.
The rejection of Das’s bail plea has heightened tensions and underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the Hindu community in Bangladesh, particularly in the wake of recent political upheavals.
