A Bangladesh court on Wednesday rejected a plea seeking to advance the hearing of the bail petition of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested on November 25.
The Chattogram Metropolitan Session Judge Saiful Islam dismissed the request, citing that the lawyer, Advocate Rabindra Ghose, lacked the power of attorney from the accused monk.
The plea had been filed after a court deferred the hearing on December 3 and set it for January 2, 2025. The lawyer’s failure to produce a signed power of attorney from Das led to the rejection of the request.
Background of the case
Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former leader of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), was arrested at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on November 25, 2024.
He faces charges of sedition for allegedly disrespecting the Bangladesh national flag, a claim that has led to significant protests.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Advocate Ghose argued that the case against the monk was “false and fabricated,” pointing to his medical condition, including diabetes and asthma.
Despite this, Ghose admitted he had not obtained a signed power of attorney from Das. “I will visit Chinmoy in the prison now and obtain the Vakalatnama (power of attorney),” Ghose said.
The arrest and protests
Das’ arrest prompted protests from his followers, which quickly escalated into violence in Chattogram. The protests led to the death of a lawyer, sparking a counter-campaign demanding a ban on ISKCON.
The organisation, however, distanced itself from the monk, revealing that he had been expelled six months prior.
Earlier, on October 31, a case was filed against Das and 18 others at Kotwali Police Station in Chattogram, accusing them of disrespecting the national flag of Bangladesh.
The case involved a local leader of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), who had also been expelled by the party for unclear reasons.
India has condemned the arrest, urging Bangladesh to ensure the safety of minorities, especially Hindus.
In a statement on November 26, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted, “It is unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, charges should be pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings.”
The MEA also expressed concern over attacks on minorities who were protesting against Das’ arrest.
Follow us
