• Source:JND
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The Bangladesh High Court on Wednesday granted bail to former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in a sedition case stemming from a controversial rally in Chattogram. Das, a prominent voice for religious minority rights, had been in custody since November 25, 2024, following his arrest at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

The sedition charges were filed after a rally organised by Das on October 25, where it was alleged that a saffron flag associated with ISKCON was hoisted above the national flag of Bangladesh on the Independence Monument at Chattogram’s New Market intersection. Under the country’s flag code, such an act is considered a serious offence and seen as a symbolic insult to national sovereignty.

The case was initiated by Firoz Khan, a local leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), who named 19 individuals in the complaint, including Das, Ajay Datta of the Hindu Jagaran Mancha, and Leela Raj Das, chief priest of ISKCON Chittagong Temple. Khan was expelled from the BNP shortly after for filing the case without party approval.

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Bail Plea Initially Rejected

Das’s first bail application was rejected earlier this month, sending him into judicial custody. His arrest sparked both online and street-level protests, with rights groups and religious organisations calling the charges politically motivated. Hindu Jagaran Mancha leaders led demonstrations demanding the immediate withdrawal of the case.

Supporters noted Das’s longstanding efforts in promoting religious tolerance and his vocal demands for structural reforms to protect minorities. As the spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, he has consistently advocated for the establishment of a minority protection law, special tribunals for communal violence, and a dedicated ministry for minority affairs.

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Health Concerns And Legal Petition Lead To Bail

The bail was granted by a bench comprising Justice Md Atoar Rahman and Justice Md Ali Reza, following a petition submitted by Das’s legal team, led by Apurba Kumar Bhattacharjee. The plea highlighted concerns over Das’s deteriorating health and the length of his pre-trial detention. According to Advocate Prolad Deb Nath, Das is expected to be released unless the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court issues a stay on the High Court’s decision.