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Chinmoy Krishna Das, Ex-ISKCON Priest, Gets Bail in Bangladesh Sedition Case

April 30, 2025, 4:10 pm

A court in Bangladesh on Wednesday released on bail Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON leader, in a sedition case that created national controversy. Das was arrested after a case was lodged against him and 18 others about a rally organized in Chittagong on October 25 last year.

The sedition charges were leveled on the basis of an incident where a saffron flag was allegedly flown above the national flag of Bangladesh at a public rally in Laldighi Maidan in Chattogram. The case was officially lodged on October 30, 2023, which evoked harsh responses from different sections.

On Tuesday, Das came to the Chittagong court, which rejected him initially and remanded him in custody. Later, amid extensive protests and demands for his release, the court overturned its previous order and allowed him bail on the following day.

Who is Chinmoy Krishna Das?

Chinmoy Krishna Das is now the representative of the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, which is an organization that fights for the rights and protection of minorities in the nation. He has remained a driving force behind reforms like the enactment of a minority protection law, a special tribunal to expedite cases of minority persecution, and a separate ministry for minority affairs.

Das received extensive publicity for organizing top-level rallies throughout Bangladesh, such as one in Chittagong on 25th October and another in Rangpur on 22nd November, both of which generated widespread socio-political debate across the country.

A Leading Voice for Minority Rights

Das is from Satkania Upazila, Chittagong. He was the Chittagong divisional secretary of ISKCON from 2016 to 2022. Famous for his early life religious activism, he gained the title ‘Shishu Bokta’ or ‘child orator’ due to his passionate speeches at a young age, according to Bangladeshi media.

His recent arrest attracted harsh criticism and universal outrage from civil society and human rights organizations, calling for his release immediately. With bail now released, the focus is on the fate of the legal proceedings that continue to unravel.

Bangladesh Court Rejects Bail plea of ISCKON Priest Chinmoy Krishna Das

January 2, 2025, 11:59 am

A Chattogram court has denied bail to former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das during a hearing conducted under tight security, The Daily Star reported. The bail request was turned down by Chattogram Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Saiful Islam after about 30 minutes of hearing both parties’ arguments, according to Metropolitan Public Prosecutor Advocate Mofizur Haque Bhuiyan.
Earlier today, 11 Supreme Court lawyers were set to participate in the bail hearing of Chinmoy Krishna Das. While speaking to The Daily Star, lawyer Apurba Kumar Bhattacharjee had said, “We have come to Chattogram under the banner of Ainjibi Oikya Parishad, and we will move for Chinmoy in the court for his bail. I already got the Vakalatnama from Chinmoy. I’m a member of both the Supreme Court and Chattogram Bar associations, so I don’t need authorisation from any local lawyer to move the case.”
Earlier on December 3, 2024, Chittagong court had fixed January 2 for bail hearing as the prosecution submitted a time petition and there was no lawyer to represent Chinmoy.
The unrest in Bangladesh stems from the sedition charges filed against Chinmoy Krishna Das for allegedly raising a saffron flag above Bangladesh’s national flag in Chittagong on October 25. His arrest on November 25 sparked protests, culminating in violent clashes between his followers and law enforcement outside the Chattogram Court Building on November 27, which resulted in the death of a lawyer.
The situation worsened following additional arrests. According to ISKCON Kolkata, two monks, Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari, were detained on November 29 after visiting Chinmoy Krishna Das in custody. The organisation’s Vice President, Radha Raman, also claimed that rioters vandalised an ISKCON centre in Bangladesh during the unrest.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had also voiced concern over escalating violence and extremist rhetoric in Bangladesh, emphasising that it has consistently raised the issue of targeted attacks on minorities with Dhaka.

Bangladesh: Eleven Supreme Court Lawyers to Attend Bail Hearing Priest Chinmoy Krishna Das

January 2, 2025, 10:01 am

Eleven Supreme Court lawyers are scheduled to participate in the bail hearing of former ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das on Thursday, according to The Daily Star. Led by advocate Apurba Kumar Bhattacharjee, the legal team will defend Chinmoy, in a sedition case resulting from allegations of disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag.

While speaking to The Daily Star, lawyer Apurba Kumar Bhattacharjee said, “We have come to Chattogram under the banner of Ainjibi Oikya Parishad, and we will move for Chinmoy in the court for his bail. I already got the Vakalatnama from Chinmoy. I’m a member of both the Supreme Court and Chattogram Bar associations, so I don’t need authorisation from any local lawyer to move the case.”

Earlier on December 3, 2024, Chittagong court had fixed January 2 for bail hearing as the prosecution submitted a time petition and there was no lawyer to represent Chinmoy.
The unrest in Bangladesh stems from the sedition charges filed against Chinmoy Krishna Das for allegedly raising a saffron flag above Bangladesh’s national flag in Chittagong on October 25. His arrest on November 25 sparked protests, culminating in violent clashes between his followers and law enforcement outside the Chattogram Court Building on November 27, which resulted in the death of a lawyer.

The situation worsened following additional arrests. According to ISKCON Kolkata, two monks, Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari, were detained on November 29 after visiting Chinmoy Krishna Das in custody. The organisation’s Vice President, Radha Raman, also claimed that rioters vandalised an ISKCON centre in Bangladesh during the unrest.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had also voiced concern over escalating violence and extremist rhetoric in Bangladesh, emphasising that it has consistently raised the issue of targeted attacks on minorities with Dhaka.

In December 2024, Veena Sikri, former High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, in an open letter wrote about Chinmoy Krishna Das. The letter said, “Chinmoy Krishna Das, formerly with the globally renowned ISKCON, together with his colleagues in the Sanatani Jagran Jote put forward an 8-point demand on behalf of the religious minorities of Bangladesh, seeking the enactment of a minority protection law in Bangladesh, with a ministry for the protection of minorities, a special tribunal for trial of cases of minority persecution, including compensation and rehabilitation of victims, a law to recover and protect temples (Debottar), proper enforcement of the Vested Property Return Act, and upgradation of the existing (separate) Hindu, Buddhist and Christian Welfare Trusts to Foundations.”

Chinmoy Krishna Das’s Health is Critical in Prison, Bangladeshi Americans Call on Trump to Assist Minorities

December 30, 2024, 2:20 pm

Bangladeshi-American groups are urging US President-elect Donald Trump to intervene in Bangladesh to protect minorities. They are concerned about the caretaker government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, which took power after a student agitation ousted the elected Sheikh Hasina government in August. Furthermore, the groups are calling for Trump’s help in securing the release of Iskcon monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested by the Yunus government and is seriously ill.

Concerns Over Minority Rights

Bangladeshi American Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians are alarmed by the threats facing minorities in Bangladesh. They describe the situation as an “existential threat” from Islamist forces. In a letter to Trump, they urgently called for action to end ethnic and religious persecution in Bangladesh. Additionally, they suggested linking Bangladesh’s participation in UN peacekeeping missions to its treatment of minorities.

Trump’s Support for Bangladesh’s Minorities

This plea for action aligns with Trump’s previous criticisms of Bangladesh. During his presidential campaign, he condemned attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, calling it “in a total state of chaos.” Moreover, in his Diwali message, he denounced the violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities, who were being attacked and looted by mobs.

Release of Chinmoy Krishna Das

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCOP) is now demanding the immediate release of Chinmoy Krishna Das. He was arrested on November 25 at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on sedition charges for allegedly disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag during a rally in Chittagong. His bail petition was denied, and his case is scheduled for a hearing on January 2.

Chinmoy Krishna Das’s Health Condition

In addition to his legal troubles, the Bangladesh Shommilito Sanatan Jagaran Jote (BSSJJ) claims that Das is seriously ill and not receiving proper medical care in prison. He has been hospitalized twice. As a result, the group has called for public prayers for his recovery. On January 1, they are asking people to pray in temples across Bangladesh for his health.

Risks of Radicalisation in Bangladesh

The BHBCOP also warned that Bangladesh could become more radicalized, which would have far-reaching effects. Consequently, they called for new laws to protect minorities, including a Minority Protection Act. The act would recognize minorities and indigenous groups, create safe enclaves, and establish a separate electorate for minorities. Additionally, it would introduce laws against hate crimes and hate speech to protect religious practices and cultural heritage.

Chittagong Court Delays Bail Hearing for Chinmoy Krishna Das

December 13, 2024, 9:26 am

A court in Chittagong recorded a bail petition for Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das on Thursday. However, the judge did not allow an early hearing. Senior lawyer Rabindra Ghosh submitted the petition, but the judge decided to wait for the scheduled hearing date.

Missing Documents Cause Delay

Rabindra Ghosh, a Supreme Court lawyer and human rights activist, filed the petition on behalf of Chinmoy Krishna Das. Nevertheless, the judge requested confirmation from the Chittagong Bar Association, which Ghosh could not provide. Nazim Uddin Chowdhury, President of the Chittagong Bar Association, explained that Ghosh lacked the necessary documents. As a result, the judge kept the petition on record and set the hearing for January 2.

Lawyer’s Frustration

Rabindra Ghosh expressed his disappointment with the delay. He said, “I am very disheartened. I have been coming from Dhaka for the last three days and applying with repeated attempts. The Judge took my application on his table. He could have heard it. It fell into some conspiracy.” In light of this, Ghosh added that he might move the bail petition to the High Court with the necessary documents.

Previous Bail Denial

This is not the first time the court has rejected an early hearing. On Wednesday, the court dismissed the petition, stating that Chinmoy Krishna Das had not authorized the lawyer to file it.

Arrest and Protests

Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON priest, was arrested at Dhaka Airport on November 25 on sedition charges. The following day, the Chittagong court denied his bail and sent him to prison. His supporters, in protest, blocked his prison van, which led to clashes with police. Tragically, lawyer Saiful Islam Alif lost his life in the violence.

Bail Hearing Scheduled for January

The Chittagong court has now scheduled the next bail hearing for January 2. This follows a request from the prosecution for more time, and at the time, no lawyer was available to represent Chinmoy.

Bangladesh Court Denies Bail To Chinmoy Krishna Das Yet Again: Report

December 11, 2024, 5:33 pm

A Bangladesh court has denied bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu priest and spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote, who is affiliated with ISKCON and faces sedition charges. The Chittagong Metropolitan Sessions Judge, Md. Saiful Islam, cited the absence of a lawyer’s letter of attorney as the reason for rejecting the plea during his vacation on Wednesday.

The bail petition, now set to be heard on January 2, describes Das as a diabetic monk with respiratory issues, claiming his arrest is based on false accusations. Das’s lawyer, Subhashish Sharma, was unable to attend the December 3 hearing due to security concerns.

Public Prosecutor PP Mofizul Haque Bhuiyan noted, “The state party informed the court that lawyer Rabindra Ghosh, who applied for Chinmoy’s anticipatory bail, had not been authorized to represent him. Additionally, Subhashish Sharma neither attended the hearing nor authorized Rabindra Ghosh in writing. The court, therefore, rejected the application.”

Two co-accused also missed their bail hearings due to their lawyer’s absence.

India has reiterated its hope for a “fair and transparent” trial, emphasizing the legal rights of minorities. New Delhi has urged Dhaka to safeguard Hindus and other minority groups amid a rise in extremist rhetoric and violence.

Also Read: Police File Murder Attempt Case Against Hindu Monk Chinmoy Krishna Das

“The interim government must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. “We are concerned about increasing violence and provocation and urge Bangladesh to take necessary steps for minority protection.”

During a recent visit to Dhaka, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri raised concerns with Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain. “We expect a constructive approach from Bangladesh authorities to ensure safety and advance bilateral relations positively,” Misri stated.

Bangladesh Arrests Second ISKCON Hindu Priest Amid Protests

November 30, 2024, 5:39 pm

Another spiritual leader was detained by police in Chattogram on Saturday in a series of shocking arrests targeting Hindu priests in Bangladesh. He is identified as Shyam Das Prabhu, comes days after the controversial detention of another Hindu monk, Chinmoy KrishnaDas.

Arrest Without Warrant

Sources confirmed that Shyam Das Prabhu was arrested without an official warrant, provoking an uproar among the local religious community. It was reported that he was going to meet Chinmoy Krishna Das in jail when he was detained by Chattogram Police.

ISKCON Condemns Arrests

The International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has voiced strong condemnation following the arrests. Radharamn Das, Vice-President and Spokesperson for ISKCON Kolkata, shared an update on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), confirming the arrest of Shyam Das Prabhu. “Another Brahmachari, Sri Shyam Das Prabhu, was arrested by Chattogram Police today,” Radharamn Das posted, highlighting the growing tensions surrounding the issue.

Chinmoy Krishna Das’ Ongoing Detention

The arrest of Shyam Das Prabhu follows the detention of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON member, who was taken into custody earlier this week. He was accused in a sedition case and denied bail shortly after his arrest on Monday. His arrest has sparked further concerns about the safety and treatment of Hindu leaders in the region.

Growing Concerns Among Religious Leaders

The arrests of these Hindu monks come amidst rising concerns about religious freedom and the treatment of minority groups in Bangladesh. The detentions have raised alarms about the safety of religious figures, particularly those associated with Hindu spiritual organizations.

As the situation continues to unfold, many are calling for a clearer understanding of the charges against these religious leaders and whether their arrests are politically motivated. The incidents in Chattogram have drawn widespread attention, especially from the international Hindu community, demanding justice and transparency.

Fresh Attack in Chattogram: Mob Targets Three Hindu Temples, Throws Brickbats Amid Slogans

November 30, 2024, 1:51 pm

A mob attacked three Hindu temples in Chattogram, Bangladesh on Friday. The temples targeted were Shantaneshwari Matri Temple, Shoni Temple, and Shantaneshwari Kalibari Temple. The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. in the Harish Chandra Munsef Lane area.

Mob Damages Temples

A group of several hundred people, shouting slogans, threw brickbats at the temples. The Shoni Temple was damaged, along with the gates of the other two temples. Police confirmed the attack but reported that the damage was minimal after a confrontation between the two sides. Both groups threw brickbats at each other.

Temple Authorities Respond

Tapan Das, a member of the Shantineshwari Main Temple management, shared details of the incident. He said, “A procession of hundreds arrived after Juma prayers. They started shouting anti-Hindu and anti-ISKCON slogans.” He added that the temple authorities did not obstruct the attackers. As the situation worsened, the army was called in to help restore order, and all temple gates were closed before noon.

Read : 3 Temples Attacked in Bangladesh’s Chattogram as Violent Clashes Intensify

Context Behind the Violence

The violence followed the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former member of the ISKCON Bangladesh, who was arrested under sedition charges. His arrest triggered protests by the Hindu community in various cities, including Dhaka and Chattogram. A sedition case had been filed against Das and 18 others for allegedly disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag during a Hindu rally on October 30.

India’s Concern

India expressed serious concern over the treatment of Hindus in Bangladesh. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told Parliament that India expects Bangladesh to protect its minorities. He emphasized that it is Bangladesh’s responsibility to ensure the safety and liberty of all its citizens, including minorities.

Bangladesh’s Response

In turn, Bangladesh condemned the violent protests at its Deputy High Commission in Kolkata. The country urged India to ensure the safety of its diplomatic missions, highlighting the diplomatic tension between the two nations following the recent incidents.

3 Temples Attacked in Bangladesh’s Chattogram as Violent Clashes Intensify

November 27, 2024, 10:17 am

Violence erupted in Bangladesh as three Hindu temples in Chattogram were attacked on Tuesday. The targeted temples included Lokonath Temple in Firangi Bazar, Mansa Mata Temple, and Kali Mata Temple in Hazari Lane.

Rising Violence Against Minorities

These attacks are part of a growing pattern of violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. The situation has worsened since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was deposed in a coup on August 5.

Hindus Protest Islamist Attacks

The unrest began when large numbers of Hindus held peaceful protests in response to organized attacks by Islamist radicals. The protests were led by ISKCON, a Hindu religious organization with followers worldwide.

Chinmoy Krishna Das Detained

As tensions rose, Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent ISKCON monk and leader, was detained at Dhaka Airport on Monday. His arrest further fueled the protests.

Clashes with Security Forces in Thakurgaon

The situation escalated when the Bangladesh Army clashed with Hindu protesters in Thakurgaon. The protesters were demanding the release of Chinmoy Krishna Das. The army’s attack on the peaceful protestors added to the growing violence.

Read: Protests Erupt in Bangladesh Over Detention of ISKCON Leader Chinmoy Krishna Das

ISKCON Condemns Arrest and Violence

ISKCON Bangladesh condemned the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das and the ongoing attacks on Hindus in various regions of Bangladesh.

Public Prosecutor Killed in Clash

The violence intensified when a violent clash broke out between security forces and Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das’s supporters. During the clash, a public prosecutor, Saiful Islam, was killed, and several others were injured. Islam, a 35-year-old assistant public prosecutor, was a member of the Chattogram District Bar Association, according to the Dhaka Tribune.

Protests Erupt in Bangladesh Over Detention of ISKCON Leader Chinmoy Krishna Das

November 27, 2024, 8:53 am

Violence erupted in Bangladesh on Tuesday, targeting three Hindu temples in Chattogram: Lokonath Temple in Firangi Bazar, Mansa Mata Temple, and Kali Mata Temple in Hazari Lane. These attacks occurred amidst escalating tensions following protests demanding the release of ISKCON monk and Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu.

The unrest is part of a broader surge in violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, which has intensified since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in a coup on August 5.

Rising Tensions Over Hindu Protests

The protests began as peaceful demonstrations against organized attacks by Islamist radicals but have since turned violent. Organized largely by ISKCON, a prominent social and religious organization, the protests drew global attention.

On Monday, ISKCON monk and Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das was detained at Dhaka Airport, sparking outrage. ISKCON Bangladesh strongly condemned his arrest and the ongoing attacks on Hindu minorities, calling for justice and an end to the violence.

Violent Crackdown on Protesters

In Thakurgaon, the Bangladesh Army reportedly attacked Hindu protesters who were demonstrating for Chinmoy Krishna Das’s release. The peaceful demonstrations escalated into violent clashes, highlighting the growing tensions in the region.

Lawyer Killed in Courtroom Clashes

In Chattogram, a violent confrontation between Bangladeshi security forces and supporters of Chinmoy Krishna Das left Saiful Islam, a 35-year-old assistant public prosecutor, dead. Several others were injured after the court denied bail and ordered Das to be sent to jail.

ISKCON and other Hindu organizations have condemned the violence and called for the immediate release of their leader, as well as protection for religious minorities in Bangladesh.

Lawyer Defending Hindu Priest Killed Amid Violent Protests

November 26, 2024, 6:56 pm

A lawyer representing Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das was reportedly killed during escalating protests outside Bangladesh’s Chattogram Court on Tuesday, as reported by Republic TV. The incident occurred amidst widespread unrest following the arrest of the Hindu leader.

The protests began when a large crowd, believed to be primarily Hindu supporters of Chinmoy Krishna Das, gathered outside the court demanding his release. The situation turned violent when police launched a crackdown, reportedly firing on the crowd. Saiful Islam Alif was killed during the chaos as supporters attempted to block a prison van transporting the leader to jail. Police resorted to using sound grenades to control the situation, leaving at least 7-8 protesters injured and hospitalized.

State-lawyer Saiful Islam Alif was killed today during protests at CTG court premises when supporters of former @iskcon monk Chinmoy Krishna Das blocked the prison van carrying him to jail. Meanwhile, police lob sound grenades to disperse them. 7-8 are hospitalized. #ISKCON pic.twitter.com/Rm295FuBye

— Mehedi Hasan Marof (@MehediMarof) November 26, 2024

Footage circulating on social media captured the intense clashes between the police and supporters of the arrested ISKCON monk. The violence erupted after the court denied bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das. In the videos, police personnel can be seen using force to disperse the protesters.

Bangladeshi media reported that the demonstrators obstructed the prison van carrying Chinmoy Krishna Das for nearly three hours, leading to a prolonged standoff. To disperse the crowd, the police employed teargas shells, sound grenades, and baton charges, eventually breaking the deadlock.