Bangladesh High Court rejects bail petition of detained Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das
Dhaka, May 10
The High Court of Bangladesh on Sunday dismissed a bail application filed by Hindu monk Brahmachari Chinmoy Krishna Das, citing his ongoing trial in a lower court regarding the 2024 killing of a lawyer.
Das, who serves as a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, was initially detained at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on November 25, 2024 for "alleged" sedition.
His subsequent imprisonment followed a bail refusal by a court in the southeastern port city of Chattogram. This judicial decision sparked widespread demonstrations by his supporters across Dhaka and other regions the following day. These protests escalated into violence in Chattogram, resulting in the death of Saiful Islam Alif, a junior government prosecutor.
On 19 January, the Chattogram Divisional Speedy Trial Tribunal indicted Das, a former ISKCON leader, alongside 38 other individuals in connection with the lawyer's death, formally commencing the trial proceedings against him.
Previously, on April 30 last year, the High Court had granted him bail in the sedition case, which involved the "alleged" insulting of the Bangladeshi national flag. However, that order was later suspended by the Supreme Court's apex Appellate Division.
Throughout 2024, Das' Sammilito Sanatan Jagaran Jote spearheaded numerous rallies following the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. These gatherings were organised to protest "alleged" attacks and systemic discrimination directed at Hindu communities.
According to 2022 statistics, Hindus account for approximately eight per cent of Bangladesh's population of around 170 million.
The detention of Das earlier emerged as a point of contention in diplomatic relations between Dhaka and New Delhi, with India previously voicing significant concern over his "alleged" treatment and continued custody.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Sad to see this happening. Bangladesh has a significant Hindu population (8% is not small when you consider absolute numbers) and they deserve equal protection under the law. The violence that led to the lawyer's death is tragic too, but we need to examine if the charges against Das are genuine or politically motivated. Justice must be fair for all.
This is why we need to speak up. If the situation for minorities in Bangladesh keeps deteriorating, it will have huge implications for regional stability. The protests turning violent and a lawyer being killed shows how volatile things have become. India should use all diplomatic channels, not just express "concern" but push for actual change.
Wait - the sedition case was about "alleged" insulting of the national flag? And now he's being tried for a lawyer's killing? The timeline seems suspicious. First arrested at the airport, then bail granted, then suspended by Supreme Court. This is the classic pattern we've seen elsewhere - use multiple charges to keep someone locked up indefinitely. Justice delayed is justice denied.
As an outsider looking in, this seems like a worrying trend. The fact that peaceful protests over bail denial escalated into deadly violence suggests deep underlying tensions. Both sides need to de-escalate - the government should ensure fair trial procedures, and protesters must stay peaceful. Religious freedom is a human right that every nation should uphold.
I'm not saying he's innocent or guilty - we don't have all facts. But bail should be the norm, not exception. The fact that multiple courts have denied bail while trial is ongoing is troubling
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.