Bangladesh's High Court has granted bail to jailed Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in two criminal cases, marking a legal development in a series of proceedings against the religious leader. However, the order will not result in his immediate release, as he continues to face four other pending cases, including charges related to treason and murder. Lawyers representing both the prosecution and the defence confirmed that the remaining cases will determine when he may be released from custody.
The two-judge High Court bench allowed Das's bail petitions in cases involving allegations of attempted murder, vandalism and obstructing government officials from performing their duties. His lawyer, Apurba Kumar Bhattacharya, said the court had accepted the bail applications on Sunday. Despite the relief, Das will remain in jail until courts decide on the remaining cases pending against him.
Das was arrested in November 2024 on sedition charges after allegedly disrespecting Bangladesh's national flag, an incident that triggered protests and heightened communal tensions across the country. He was later named in several additional criminal cases, including those involving murder, attempted murder and vandalism. One of the most serious cases relates to the killing of a government prosecutor in the southeastern port city of Chattogram, where the official was allegedly attacked during protests that followed Das's arrest.
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The Hindu monk was previously associated with ISKCON and currently serves as a spokesperson for the Sammilito Sanatan Jagaran Jote, a group that organised demonstrations demanding greater protection, safety and rights for religious minorities in Bangladesh. The protests gained momentum after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 following a student-led movement, a period that also saw political instability and growing concerns among minority communities.
Das's arrest had drawn international attention, with India expressing deep concern over the detention and urging Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and other minority groups. The episode also coincided with a deterioration in India-Bangladesh relations following Sheikh Hasina's departure to New Delhi and the formation of Bangladesh's interim government. Das's legal team has repeatedly sought bail, citing his prolonged imprisonment and health issues, though several earlier applications were rejected or stayed. The remaining cases against him continue to move through the Bangladeshi judicial system.
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