Travesty of justice: Bangladesh SC stays High Court order granting bail to Chinmoy Das

IANS April 30, 2025 381 views

The Bangladesh Supreme Court has dramatically reversed a High Court bail order for Chinmoy Das, an ISKCON monk facing sedition charges. This legal maneuver highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding religious minorities in Bangladesh. The case has drawn international attention, with India repeatedly condemning the treatment of Hindus under the current interim government. The development underscores the complex political and religious landscape in Bangladesh following recent political upheavals.

"Systematic persecution of Hindu minorities continues" - Indian Government Statement
Dhaka, April 30: The Appellate Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court on Wednesday evening stayed the High Court order given earlier in the day granting bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das, or Chandan Kumar Dhar, the former ISKCON monk and spokesperson of Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jagaran Jote in a sedition case.

Key Points

1

Supreme Court intervenes in controversial sedition case against Chinmoy Das

2

Hindu community faces increasing attacks in Bangladesh

3

Political instability threatens minority rights

4

Interim government under Muhammad Yunus criticized

Judge of the Appellate Division Justice, Rezaul Haque passed the order after hearing an appeal filed by the state counsel hours after the High Court granted him bail.

The stay order will remain in force until the filing of a leave-to-appeal petition and release of the full text of the verdict.

Earlier, the Bangladesh High Court granted bail to Das, who was arrested on November 25 last year on charges of sedition, linked to alleged disrespect of the national flag during a rally in Chattogram. His arrest had sparked widespread outrage across the world.

Wednesday's bail for Das, a President of Pundarik Dham who has been a voice for those seeking religious freedom and minority protection, had come nearly six months after his arrest. Chinmoy was arrested in Dhaka on November 25 and sent to jail the following day after a Chattogram court rejected his bail plea. On December 11, 2024 the same court again refused bail in the case.

The arrest of Das had sparked massive protests by the Hindu community in Bangladesh, which has been in political turmoil since August 2024 when Sheikh Hasina was removed amidst widespread violent demonstrations.

In the following nine months, Bangladesh has witnessed rising cases of attacks on Hindu community ever since the Hasina-led government was toppled and an interim administration was formed under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus.

India has taken a tough line on the rights of Hindu minority and repeatedly stated that there is "systematic persecution of Hindu minorities" under the Yunus-led interim government.

Recently, Bhabesh Chandra Roy, a prominent leader of Hindu community associated with the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Committee, was abducted from home and beaten to death by four individuals on April 18.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is deeply concerning. Our neighbors must protect religious minorities better. India should use diplomatic channels to ensure justice for Chinmoy Das. The pattern of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh cannot be ignored. 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
The judicial ping-pong in this case shows how unstable Bangladesh has become post-Hasina. While we must respect their sovereignty, India has moral responsibility towards Hindu minorities there. Hope Das gets fair trial.
A
Amit S.
Sedition charges for flag disrespect? Sounds excessive. In India we've moved beyond colonial-era laws like this. Bangladesh judiciary should modernize. That said, we shouldn't interfere in their internal matters directly.
N
Neha T.
Heartbreaking to see our neighbors suffer like this. But India must be careful - too much interference could backfire. Best approach is quiet diplomacy plus helping genuine refugees. 🙏
S
Sanjay R.
The interim government seems to be failing its minority protection duties. India should consider economic measures if situation worsens. Our cultural ties with Bangladesh Hindus go back centuries - we can't stay silent.
M
Meena V.
While the situation is worrying, we must remember Bangladesh has its own legal process. The Supreme Court stay doesn't mean final denial of justice. Let's wait for full verdict before jumping to conclusions.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
Bangladesh Supreme Court Chinmoy Das Hindu Minorities Religious Freedom Muhammad Yunus Sheikh Hasina ISKCON
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