Bangladeshi Hindu Priest Chinmoy Das Gets Bail In Sedition Case After 6 Months

Dhaka: A Chittagong court on Wednesday, April 30, granted bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent minority rights activist and former leader of Iskcon, in connection with a sedition case after six months. His arrest had sparked widespread criticism from civil society groups and human rights advocates across Bangladesh.

The sedition charges were filed after a rally organised by Das in Chattogram on October 25, where a saffron flag was allegedly hoisted above the national flag of Bangladesh — an act considered a serious offence under the country’s flag code.

The court had previously rejected Das’s bail plea on Tuesday, April 29, sending him into judicial custody. His arrest led to strong backlash, with supporters and rights groups calling the case politically motivated and demanding his release.

Who is Chinmoy Krishna Das?

Das is a well-known figure within Bangladesh’s Hindu (Sanatani) community and currently serves as the spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, an organisation advocating for stronger legal and institutional protections for religious minorities.

He has been at the forefront of campaigns demanding the formation of a minority protection law, the creation of a tribunal for expedited prosecution in cases of communal violence, and a dedicated ministry for minority affairs.

Das rose to prominence in religious circles during his youth, earning the moniker Shishu Bokta (child orator) for his impactful religious discourses. Between 2016 and 2022, he held the post of divisional secretary for Iskcon in Chittagong and has continued to mobilise public opinion through large-scale rallies. He hails from Satkania Upazila in Chittagong.

The Sedition Case

The controversy erupted during a rally at Laldighi Maidan in Chattogram on October 25, where images circulated showing a saffron flag reportedly placed above the Bangladeshi flag, prompting allegations of disrespect to the national symbol. A sedition case was filed on October 30 against Das and 18 others.

While the organisers claimed the act was unintentional, authorities initiated legal proceedings. The arrest was also criticised by minority organisations who claim it reflects the increasing intolerance toward religious expression and community advocacy.

Published on: Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 03:14 PM IST