Sedition Case: Bangladesh HC Grants Bail To Chinmoy Krishna Das

Chinmoy Krishna Das

The Bangladesh High Court on Wednesday granted bail to spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in a high-profile sedition case.

The order was passed by a bench comprising Justice Md Atoar Rahman and Justice Md Ali Reza.

Arrest & Charges

Chinmoy Krishna Das, former ISKCON leader and spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatani Jagran Jote, was arrested at Dhaka airport on November 25, 2023. He has been accused of insulting the national flag of Bangladesh and charged with sedition — a serious offense that sparked national debate and public interest.

Das initially sought bail from a lower court in Chittagong, but his plea was denied on January 2 by Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Saiful Islam. Despite a detailed defense that argued Das held deep reverence for the country, the court rejected his application after hearing both sides. The hearing took place under heavy security, with Advocate Mofizur Haque Bhuiyan representing the prosecution.

In his submission, Das’ lawyer Apurba Kumar Bhattacharjee told the court that the spiritual leader “respects the motherland like his mother and is not a traitor.” However, these arguments did not convince the lower court at the time.

Court Intervention

Following the rejection, Das approached the Bangladesh High Court. In February, the High Court issued a ruling asking the government to explain why bail should not be granted. “Bangladesh High Court has asked the government to respond to the ruling within two weeks,” Bhattacharjee told media at the time.

Now, with the High Court granting bail, Das is expected to be released, pending further legal proceedings. The ruling marks a significant development in a case that has drawn considerable public and media attention in Bangladesh.

Widespread Public Interest

The case has triggered widespread interest and divided opinions, with many tracking the progress of legal proceedings closely. Chinmoy Krishna Das remains a notable figure due to his religious following and previous association with ISKCON, further amplifying the spotlight on the case.

As of now, the sedition charges remain in place, but the bail provides temporary relief for the embattled spiritual leader while the case continues.