Daijiworld Media Network - Dhaka
Dhaka, May 10: Bangladesh’s High Court on Sunday rejected the bail petition of Hindu monk Brahmachari Chinmoy Krishna Das, observing that the trial in connection with the 2024 killing of a lawyer is currently underway before a lower court in Chattogram.
Das, spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, has been in custody since November 25, 2024, after being arrested at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on sedition charges.
His counsel Apurba Kumar Bhattacharya said the two-judge bench declined to consider the bail plea at this stage as witness testimonies are currently being recorded before the trial court.
However, the High Court has scheduled Monday for hearing bail petitions in four other cases filed against Das.
Following his arrest last year, Das was sent to jail after a Chattogram court denied him bail, triggering protests by his supporters in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh.
One such protest in Chattogram turned violent, during which junior government prosecutor Saiful Islam Alif was killed.
In January this year, the Chattogram Divisional Speedy Trial Tribunal framed charges against Das, a former leader of International Society for Krishna Consciousness, and 38 others in connection with Alif’s death, formally initiating the trial.
According to prosecutors, 23 of the 39 accused, including Das, are currently in custody, while the remaining accused are absconding.
Seeking bail, Das’ lawyer argued that the monk had remained incarcerated for a prolonged period and was facing health-related issues.
Earlier, on April 30 last year, the High Court had granted Das bail in a separate sedition case linked to alleged disrespect of the national flag. However, the order was later stayed by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.
In 2024, the Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote organised several rallies following the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, alleging attacks and discrimination against the Hindu community in Bangladesh.
Hindus account for nearly eight per cent of Bangladesh’s population of around 170 million, according to official estimates.
Das’ arrest had earlier drawn attention in India-Bangladesh relations, with India expressing concern over his detention.