A Chittagong court in Bangladesh has declined a request to reschedule bail hearing for Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, citing procedural shortcomings in application. case has drawn widespread attention due to its sensitive religious and political undertones.
Background and Arrest
Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON priest and spokesperson for Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jagaron Jote, was arrested at Dhaka Airport on November 25, 2024. charges against him include sedition, sparking significant controversy and protests from his supporters. Following his arrest, Chinmoy’s initial bail plea was denied on November 26, escalating tensions in region.
Legal Hurdles
latest petition to expedite Chinmoy’s bail hearing was dismissed by court on procedural grounds. According to court, lawyer filing petition, Rabindra Ghosh, lacked proper power of attorney from Chinmoy.
Rabindra Ghosh, a senior advocate at Bangladesh Supreme Court and a noted human rights activist, expressed his frustration, stating, “I moved an application to Chittagong court to fix an early date for bail hearing of Chinmoy Krishna Das, but court dismissed it due to absence of proper authorization.”
Courtroom Drama
courtroom proceedings were reportedly marred by tension. Ghosh described being subjected to verbal harassment and intimidation by a group of around 30 lawyers who accused him of acting as an “ISKCON agent” and labeled him a “murderer.”
“They taunted me and questioned why I came here to represent Chinmoy. They falsely accused me of murder, despite my role as an advocate. judge reprimanded them, and police presence ensured they could not physically attack me,” Ghosh recounted.
Escalating Tensions
unrest surrounding Chinmoy’s case intensified following a violent incident on November 26, when his followers clashed with police after his initial bail plea was denied. Protesters reportedly blocked prison van transporting Chinmoy, leading to a confrontation that resulted in death of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif. This incident has further complicated case, as lawyer initially representing Chinmoy is now implicated in murder investigation.
Next Steps
Despite rejection of plea, Ghosh remains committed to securing Chinmoy’s release. He has since obtained necessary authorization from Chinmoy while in custody and plans to reapply for an earlier hearing date. jail superintendent has confirmed validity of power of attorney, paving way for a renewed legal push.
Meanwhile, Chinmoy’s next scheduled bail hearing remains set for January 2, 2025. Until then, he will remain in custody, while his supporters continue to demand his release.
Broader Implications
case has highlighted precarious balance between legal and religious sensitivities in Bangladesh. Chinmoy’s arrest and subsequent courtroom drama have drawn national and international scrutiny, raising questions about treatment of religious leaders and influence of political dynamics in legal proceedings.
Major Details in Table Format
| Aspect | Details |
| Name | Chinmoy Krishna Das |
| Role | Former ISKCON priest; spokesperson for Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jagaron Jote |
| Arrest Date | November 25, 2024 |
| Charges | Sedition |
| Initial Bail Denial | November 26, 2024 |
| Incident Following Bail | Protests, prison van blockade, and subsequent lawyer’s death |
| Lawyer Filing Petition | Rabindra Ghosh |
| Courtroom Incident | Verbal harassment and accusations against Ghosh; police intervened |
| Revised Bail Hearing | January 2, 2025 |
| Next Legal Step | Reapplication for earlier hearing date with proper authorization |
| Public Response | Continued protests and demands for Chinmoy’s release by his followers |
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information and reliable sources. It is intended for informational purposes only. Any inaccuracies are unintentional, and readers are encouraged to verify details independently.
