Bangladesh Court Grants Bail to Hindu Monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, Release Delayed

Bangladesh's High Court has granted bail to jailed Hindu rights leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in two additional criminal cases, but the ruling will not lead to his immediate release as he still faces four other pending cases, including charges of sedition and murder.

A two judge High Court bench approved Das's bail petitions in cases involving allegations of attempted murder, vandalism and obstructing public officials from performing their duties, his lawyer Apurba Kumar Bhattacharya said. However, both the prosecution and defence acknowledged that Das will remain in prison until he secures relief in the remaining cases.

Das, a Hindu monk and spokesperson for Sammilito Sanatan Jagaran Jote, was arrested at Dhaka airport in November 2024 on sedition charges over allegedly disrespecting Bangladesh's national flag during a rally in Chattogram. His arrest triggered nationwide protests by supporters and heightened communal tensions, prompting India to express deep concern and urge Bangladesh to ensure the safety of Hindus and other minorities. Bangladesh rejected India's remarks, calling the matter an internal affair.

The most serious case against Das relates to the November 26, 2024 killing of government prosecutor Saiful Islam Alif, who was hacked to death during clashes outside the Chattogram court after Das was denied bail. In January 2025, a tribunal indicted Das and 38 others in the murder case, while investigators later filed charge sheets against 39 accused.

Formerly associated with ISKCON, Das has led campaigns demanding greater protection for Bangladesh's Hindu minority following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. His lawyers say he has been in jail for nearly two years despite health issues and continue to seek bail in the remaining cases.