Bangladesh’s High Court has granted bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON leader, who had been imprisoned for five months on charges of sedition. His arrest last November sparked widespread protests, particularly among the Hindu community, and strained ties between Bangladesh and India.
Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on November 25, 2024, after a rally held by the Hindu community in Dhaka, where he was accused of disrespecting the Bangladeshi flag. The arrest followed his active involvement in protests against the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, a situation that had drawn significant international attention. Das was charged with sedition, a claim that many considered politically motivated and a form of judicial harassment.
Following multiple failed bail petitions, the Bangladesh High Court issued its ruling on Wednesday, ordering his release. His lawyer, Apurba Kumar Bhattacharjee, had previously expressed concern over Chinmoy Krishna Das’s deteriorating health during his time in custody. According to Bhattacharjee, Das had been denied proper medical treatment while imprisoned without trial. Although the court granted bail, it could still be delayed if the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court decides to stay the verdict.
Chinmoy Krishna Das’s arrest triggered protests from Hindu organizations in both Bangladesh and neighboring India, which demanded his release and better protection for religious minorities in Bangladesh. India raised concerns over the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh, highlighting that Chinmoy Krishna Das’s arrest occurred amid a rising wave of attacks on religious minorities, particularly after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024.
Bangladesh’s foreign ministry, however, defended the arrest, stating that it was based on specific charges and not an attempt to suppress religious expression. The government emphasized that the situation was being misrepresented and that Bangladesh remained committed to fostering peaceful relations with its neighboring countries.
In recent years, Hindus in Bangladesh, who make up about 8% of the population, have faced increasing violence and discrimination, particularly in the wake of political instability. Das, who had called for action against extremist elements, found himself at the center of a larger conversation about the safety and rights of minorities in the country.
