Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das granted bail

Dhaka

Bangladesh’s High Court granted bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das, a well-known Hindu leader, in a sedition case. The decision came from a bench led by Justices Atoar Rahman and Ali Reza after a final hearing. The Court had earlier asked why Das should not be granted bail, and after reviewing the matter, ruled in his favor.

Das was arrested on November 25 at Dhaka airport by Dhaka Metropolitan Police. His arrest drew global criticism and sparked protests, especially from minority rights groups. He had remained in jail since then despite public calls for his release.

Das is the spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jagaran Jot and is also affiliated with the Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mohajot and ISKCON. His supporters say his arrest reflects broader persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh.

Since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took charge in August, Hindu communities have reported increased attacks. These include arson, looting, and destruction of temples and homes. A report by Ain O Salish Kendra documented 147 incidents targeting Hindu property, including 92 temples and 113 businesses.

Despite promises from Yunus and his advisors to ensure religious harmony, violence has continued. Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of minority safety during a meeting with Yunus at the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. India has urged Bangladesh to act against those behind the violence.

The bail order offers relief to Das and his followers but also highlights the rising fears among Bangladesh’s Hindu minority during ongoing political unrest.