Dhaka : The bail plea of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent Hindu saint and former member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), will be heard today, December 3, by the Chittagong Metropolitan Sessions Court. His arrest on sedition charges has ignited protests, banking restrictions, and heightened tensions within Bangladesh’s Hindu community.
Arrest and Sedition Allegations
Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Samyukta Sanatani Jagran Jot, was apprehended last Monday at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. According to Chittagong Metropolitan Police Additional Deputy Commissioner Mofizur Rahman, the charges stem from allegations of insulting the national flag during a Hindu community rally in Chittagong’s New Market area.
The arrest led to immediate unrest, with protests erupting across Chittagong. A lawyer’s death during the ensuing violence on October 30 further escalated tensions, resulting in a sedition case filed against Chinmoy Krishna Das and 19 others.
Bail Plea and Legal Hurdles
The hearing for Das’s bail plea, initially set for last Wednesday, faced delays after a lawyers’ work ban disrupted proceedings. The case is now set to be heard by Metropolitan Sessions Judge Mohammad Saif-ul-Islam. A prior bail plea was rejected by the court, and Das was remanded to jail, fueling public outrage.
Bank Accounts Frozen Amid Crackdown
Bangladesh authorities have frozen the bank accounts of 17 individuals linked to ISKCON, including Chinmoy Krishna Das, for a 30-day period. The move, announced last Thursday, is part of an intensified investigation into alleged connections between the accused and the unrest following the October rally.
Arrest of Additional Priests Sparks Outrage
In a further escalation, two other Hindu priests, Rudraproti Kesab Das and Ranganath Shyama Sundar Das, were arrested on Sunday after reportedly visiting Chinmoy Krishna Das in jail. These arrests have amplified anger within the Hindu community, with leaders condemning the actions as a targeted attack on minority religious figures.
Community Response and Rising Tensions
The Hindu community in Bangladesh has expressed deep concern over the arrests and banking restrictions, viewing them as part of a broader crackdown on religious minorities. Protests and vigils continue across the country, with calls for fair treatment and respect for religious freedoms.
The case has drawn attention to the fragile state of religious harmony in Bangladesh, with rights groups urging the government to ensure justice and avoid further alienating minority communities. The outcome of today’s bail hearing will likely set the tone for the ongoing legal and social conflict surrounding this contentious case.
