Bangladesh court gives bail to Hindu monk

The Bangladesh High Court on Wednesday ordered the release of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das on bail, five months after he was arrested in a sedition case.

Das is a spokesperson for Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jagran Jote and a former ISCKON leader. Das was arrested after a sedition case was filed against him and 18 others in Chittagong on October 30 last year.

The charges were linked to the hoisting of a saffron flag above Bangladesh’s official flag during the October 25 rally at Laldighi Maidan in Chattogram.

There has been significant tussle between India and Bangladesh, with New Delhi demanding a fair trial for all those detained post regime change in the country, including Chinmoy Das.

Das’ group in Bangladesh champions the rights and security of minorities in the country.

He has been a vocal advocate for the Hindu community in Bangladesh, calling for key reforms such as a minority protection law, a tribunal for fast-tracking cases of minority persecution and the establishment of a dedicated ministry of minority affairs.

His arrest had triggered widespread outrage, with many demanding his immediate release. Das gained prominence for organising public rallies, in late 2024, which sparked significant socio-political discussions across Bangladesh.

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