In a tightly monitored hearing on Thursday, a Chattogram court in Bangladesh rejected the bail plea of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a former ISKCON monk facing sedition charges. The court’s decision came after a 30-minute session, despite the efforts of a defense team comprising 11 Supreme Court lawyers, led by advocate Apurba Kumar Bhattacharjee. The sedition charges stem from allegations that Chinmoy raised a saffron flag above Bangladesh’s national flag in Chittagong on October 25, 2024, an act that has ignited widespread unrest across the country.

Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on November 25 at Dhaka airport, sparking significant protests from his followers. Clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators outside the Chattogram Court Building on November 27 turned violent, leading to the death of a lawyer and further unrest. The situation escalated when two additional ISKCON monks, Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari, were arrested on November 29 after visiting Chinmoy in custody. Meanwhile, the ISKCON center in Bangladesh reported instances of vandalism, intensifying tensions between local communities.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed concern over the situation, particularly the rising violence and targeted attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. The MEA reiterated its commitment to addressing these issues with Dhaka and ensuring the safety of affected communities. Amidst ongoing tensions, legal teams representing Chinmoy Krishna Das have vowed to continue fighting for his release, as his case becomes a focal point in debates over religious freedom and minority rights in the region.