Bangladesh HC Turns Down Bail For Hindu Monk Chinmoy Krishna Das In Chattogram Lawyer Murder Case

Last Updated:May 10, 2026, 17:47 IST

Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, has been in custody since November 25, 2024

Bangladesh’s High Court on Sunday rejected a bail petition filed by Hindu monk Brahmachari Chinmoy Krishna Das, citing that his trial in connection with the 2024 killing of a lawyer is currently underway before a lower court in Chattogram.

Das, a spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, has been in custody since November 25, 2024, when he was arrested at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on charges of sedition.

His counsel Apurba Kumar Bhattacharya said the two-judge bench declined to consider bail at this stage as witness testimonies are being recorded in the trial court. However, the High Court has scheduled Monday to hear bail pleas in four other cases filed against Das.

Following his arrest last year, Das was sent to jail after a court in Chattogram denied him bail. The decision triggered protests by his supporters in Dhaka and other parts of the country. 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 ISKCON leader, and 38 others in connection with Alif’s death, formally commencing the trial.

Prosecutors have said that while 39 people are accused in the case, 23, including Das, are currently in custody, with the remaining accused still absconding.

Seeking bail, Das’ lawyer argued that the monk has been incarcerated for a prolonged period and is suffering from health issues.

Earlier, on April 30 last year, the High Court had granted Das bail in the sedition case related to alleged disrespect of the national flag, but the order was later stayed by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.

In 2024, the Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote had organised multiple rallies after the ouster of then prime minister Sheikh Hasina, alleging attacks and discrimination against the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Hindus constitute about eight per cent of the country’s nearly 170 million population, according to official data.

Das’ arrest had earlier drawn attention in bilateral ties, with India expressing concern over his detention.

News world Bangladesh HC Turns Down Bail For Hindu Monk Chinmoy Krishna Das In Chattogram Lawyer Murder Case

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