Bangladesh: Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das's bail hearing delayed as no lawyer defends him amid chaos
World News: The arrest and detention of Mr. Das have led to heightened tensions in Chattogram, with reports of violence, including the killing of a lawyer amid clashes. Despite immediate efforts by Mr. Das's legal team to file a revision petition, no hearing occurred, further delaying his bail plea.
World News: Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, faced a setback as his bail hearing in a Chattogram court was postponed by a month. The postponement followed the absence of legal representation during the scheduled hearing on December 3, 2024. Judge Md. Saiful Islam set the next hearing for January 2, 2025, as reported by Chattogram Metropolitan Police ADC (Prosecution) Mofizur Rahman.
Heavy Security Surrounds Chattogram Court
The bail hearing witnessed heavy security deployment in the Chattogram Court area, with law enforcement officials from various forces stationed nearby. Despite the high-profile nature of the case, Mr. Das was not brought to court. Protests erupted on the premises, with members of the Chattogram Bar Association leading a march demanding justice.
Sedition Charges and Arrest Spark Controversy
Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on November 25, 2024, on sedition charges. Following his initial court appearance in Chattogram on November 26, he was denied bail and sent to jail. His arrest triggered widespread demonstrations among his supporters and raised concerns about minority rights in Bangladesh.
The arrest and detention of Mr. Das have led to heightened tensions in Chattogram, with reports of violence, including the killing of a lawyer amid clashes. Despite immediate efforts by Mr. Das's legal team to file a revision petition, no hearing occurred, further delaying his bail plea. The ongoing unrest highlights the sensitive nature of the case and its implications for minority communities in the region.
Strained India-Bangladesh Relations Post Sheikh Hasina's Ouster
The political landscape in Bangladesh has grown increasingly volatile following the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. The rise of an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has added strain to India-Bangladesh relations, with Mr. Das's arrest further complicating diplomatic ties.
Mr. Das's supporters and human rights activists continue to call for his immediate release, arguing that the charges against him are politically motivated. The delay in his bail hearing has only intensified their resolve, with protests expected to continue in the weeks ahead.