Dhaka, Dec 3, 2024: In a critical development, the bail hearing for Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das has been delayed due to the unavailability of a lawyer to represent him. Das, who is a prominent religious leader in Bangladesh and a former ISKCON priest, was arrested at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport last Monday in connection with a sedition case. His next hearing is now scheduled for January 2, 2025.

Arrest Details and Charges

Chinmoy Krishna Das, known within the ISKCON community as Sri Chinmay Krishna Prabhu, was arrested under charges related to sedition. He served as a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote and held a position as divisional organizing secretary for ISKCON in Chattogram. Das’s arrest has sparked widespread protests, particularly within the Hindu community, drawing attention to religious tensions in the region.

Legal Setback: No Lawyer, No Bail

On Tuesday, as the court convened for his bail hearing, Das’s legal team was unable to proceed with the case due to the absence of a lawyer. This delay has added to the mounting concerns over his safety and legal treatment. His supporters have expressed frustration over the lack of legal representation and the apparent injustice faced by the religious leader.

Attack on Lawyer: Advocate Ramen Roy Brutally Assaulted

In another troubling development, Advocate Ramen Roy, who had previously defended Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh, was violently attacked by a group of Islamists. Roy’s home was ransacked, and he was left critically injured. According to ISKCON Kolkata spokesperson Radharamn Das, the attack was in retaliation for Roy’s legal defense of Das. The lawyer is currently in the ICU, fighting for his life. The incident has further escalated tensions and raised serious concerns about the safety of legal professionals defending those accused of sensitive charges in Bangladesh.

Indian Government Responds to Diplomatic Tensions

The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das has also led to protests in India, particularly in Agartala, where demonstrators breached the Bangladesh consulate premises. Thousands took to the streets to protest Das’s arrest and the increasing violence against the Hindu community in Bangladesh. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the breach, calling it “deeply regrettable” and stressing that consular properties should never be targeted. The Indian government has increased security at Bangladeshi diplomatic missions in India to prevent further incidents.

Concerns Over Religious Persecution

The arrest and subsequent events have raised concerns about the treatment of Hindus in Bangladesh, with reports of increasing religious intolerance and violence against the minority community. The attack on Advocate Roy and the lack of legal support for Chinmoy Krishna Das have underscored the risks faced by those in Bangladesh who speak out or defend religious minorities.

Sidenote: This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.