The Bangladesh High Court on Sunday, 2 August 2026, granted bail to jailed Hindu monk and minority rights activist Chinmoy Krishna Das in two criminal cases, marking another legal relief for the Hindu leader. However, he is unlikely to be released immediately as he continues to face four other pending criminal cases, including charges of sedition and murder, as reported in India Today.
According to news agency PTI, Das’ counsel, Apurba Kumar Bhattacharya, said a two-judge High Court bench allowed his bail petitions in two cases involving allegations of attempted murder, vandalism, and obstructing public officials from performing their duties.
Bhattacharya said the High Court had granted bail in the two cases involving charges of attempted murder, vandalism, and obstructing officials in the discharge of their duties.
Despite the order, both the prosecution and the defence reportedly acknowledged that Das would remain in custody as multiple criminal proceedings against him are still pending before different courts.
Why Chinmoy Krishna Das Remains In Jail
According to the report, Das continues to face four additional cases, including charges of treason and murder, preventing his immediate release.
One of the most serious cases pertains to the murder of junior government prosecutor Saiful Islam Alif, who was hacked to death in Chattogram during violent protests that broke out following Das’ arrest in November 2024.
Earlier this year, a Bangladeshi court formally indicted Das along with 38 others in connection with Alif’s murder. Prosecutors charged Das under Sections 302 and 109 of the Penal Code, while several co-accused were booked under other criminal provisions.
The prosecution reportedly named 39 individuals in the murder case, with 23, including Das, remaining in custody during the trial. Prosecutors described the case as one involving “communal harmony and national security” and alleged that Das and his followers were responsible for Alif’s killing.
Arrest Triggered Nationwide Protests
Das was arrested on 25 November 2024 at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on sedition charges over allegations that he had disrespected Bangladesh’s national flag.
His arrest sparked protests by supporters across several parts of Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka and Chattogram. According to the report, demonstrations later turned violent, culminating in the killing of prosecutor Saiful Islam Alif the following day.
Following his arrest, Das was booked in several additional cases, including murder, attempted murder, and vandalism. His legal team repeatedly sought bail, arguing that he had remained incarcerated for an extended period despite suffering from health issues. Several of his earlier bail petitions were either rejected or stayed by the courts.
Who Is Chinmoy Krishna Das?
Chinmoy Krishna Das was formerly associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and currently serves as the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jagran Jote, an organisation representing sections of Bangladesh’s Hindu community.
Following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 after a student-led uprising, the organisation organised a series of rallies demanding protection for religious minorities, alleging attacks and discrimination against Hindus during the political unrest.
According to Bangladesh’s 2022 government data, Hindus constitute around 8% of the country’s nearly 170 million population.
Das’ arrest also strained diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh. India had expressed “deep concern” over his detention and urged the Bangladesh government to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all other religious minorities in the country.
Subscribe to our channels on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and YouTube to get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
