Dhaka: In a significant legal setback, a Bangladesh court rejected the bail plea of Hindu saint Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari on Thursday. Reports suggest that Das’s legal team is now preparing to approach the High Court. The former ISKCON member was brought to court under tight security for the hearing.
Speaking to The Daily Star, Public Prosecutor Advocate Mufizul Haque Bhuiyan stated that Chattogram Metropolitan Sessions Judge Mohammad Saiful Islam heard arguments from both sides for about half an hour before dismissing Das’s bail petition. Das’s lawyer, Apurva Kumar, confirmed that they are now planning to move to the High Court for relief.
Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on November 25 by Dhaka police on charges of sedition.
In an earlier statement to an English news portal, Apurva Kumar said, “We have come to Chattogram under the banner of the NJB Oikya Parishad and will file a bail petition in court.” He added, “I have already received a power of attorney from Chinmoy. As a member of the Supreme Court and Chattogram Bar Associations, I don’t need a local lawyer’s seal to proceed with the case.”
Previously, senior High Court advocate Ravindra Ghosh had filed an anticipatory bail petition, which was also rejected. According to reports, the plea lacked a power of attorney and a local lawyer’s authorization. On December 3, 2023, Judge Saiful Islam of the Chattogram Metropolitan Sessions Court scheduled the hearing for January 2.
Das’s legal team remains determined to continue the legal battle, aiming to secure bail in the higher courts.