Bangladesh: High Court grants bail to Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das after 156 days
In a landmark decision on Wednesday, the High Court of Bangladesh granted bail to former ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das after a lengthy period of 156 days behind bars. The ruling was made by a 2-Judge Bench consisting of Justices Md Atoar Rahman and Md Ali Reza, following a bail application filed on 23rd April. The application cited the deteriorating health of the Hindu priest and the prolonged delay in the trial process.
Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu, a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s Hindu community, serves as the spokesperson of the Sanatan Jagaran Manch and is the chief of Pundarik Dham in Chittagong. He was arrested on 25th November last year on what many consider to be dubious charges of ‘sedition’. The arrest sparked outrage among the Hindu community, who stood by Chinmoy Krishna Das and demanded his release.
Thanks to the voluntary legal support of Bangladesh’s renowned lawyer, Advocate Z. I. Panna Khan, Chinmoy Krishna Das was able to secure bail and walk free. The Hindu community expressed their gratitude towards Advocate Khan for his unwavering dedication to seeking justice for the wrongfully accused priest.
Chinmoy Krishna Das’s case has been seen as a test of Bangladesh’s commitment to religious freedom and tolerance. Many believe that his arrest was politically motivated and aimed at suppressing dissenting voices within the Hindu community. With his release on bail, there is hope for a fair trial and justice to prevail in this high-profile case.
