Chinmoy Krishna Das, associated with Samit Sanatani Jagran, was arrested in Dhaka on 25 November. The arrest followed a complaint filed by a local politician on October 31, accusing Chinmoy Das and others of disrespecting the national flag of Bangladesh during a rally of the Hindu community.
The troubles of Hindu religious leader Chinmoy Krishna Das are not decreasing in Bangladesh. He was recently arrested on charges of alleged treason and the hearing on his bail plea is being delayed.
On Tuesday, a Bangladesh court fixed January 2, 2025 as the next hearing date in the case. Meaning Chinmay Das will have to remain in jail for now. Daily Star Bangladesh reported that Chittagong court postponed the hearing on the bail plea of Chinmoy Krishna Das.
Chittagong Metropolitan Sessions Judge Saiful Islam fixed a new date for the hearing as the defense lawyer was absent from the court. This was confirmed by Mofizur Rahman, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Prosecution), Chittagong Metropolitan Police.
Police had increased security in the court premises before the hearing. Additional police patrolling was seen at various places in the court premises. A group of lawyers was also seen taking out a procession.
Foreign Ministry’s response to the denial of bail
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India has strongly criticized Das’s arrest and his denial of bail. The arrest has sparked widespread outrage with many demanding his immediate release.
ISKCON has already supported Chinmoy Krishna Das. In a post on Twitter, ISKCON said, “ISKCON stands with Chinmoy Krishna Das. Our prayers are with Lord Krishna for the safety of all these devotees.”
ISKCON further claimed that Bangladeshi authorities have arrested two sadhus, Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari and the secretary of Chinmoy Krishna Das. Earlier, in another worrying development, a petition was also filed by a lawyer seeking a ban on ISKCON in Bangladesh, calling it a “fundamentalist organisation” that incites communal unrest, imposes its influence on traditional Hindu communities. Engages in activities designed to impose beliefs and forcibly recruit members of lower Hindu castes.
The petition in Bangladesh alleges that ISKCON is promoting religious programs aimed at inciting communal violence, imposing its beliefs on traditional Hindu communities, and forcibly recruiting members of lower Hindu castes.
