Bangladesh: Court rejects Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari's bail plea, sends him to prison

Amid protests against his arrest, the Hindu minority leader was presented before Judge Kazi Shariful Islam of the Chittagong Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate's Court.

He was brought to the court amid tight security arrangements.

Defence counsel Swarup Kanti Nath was quoted as saying by Dhaka Tribune: "During the bail hearing, we argued that the case is baseless and conspiratorial. Chinmoy Krishna has not committed any anti-state activities. Despite this, the court denied bail but directed that he be afforded divisional status in jail."

India expresses deep concern

India on Tuesday reacted to the arrest of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari and urged the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities in the South Asian country.

The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern over the arrest of the Hindu monk.

"We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh," MEA said in a statement.

"There are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities' homes and business establishments, as well as theft and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples," the statement said.

"It is unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, charges should be pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings," the statement said.

India also expressed concern over the 'attack' on minorities who were protesting against the arrest of Das.

Amid reports of continuing persecution of Hindus since the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh, ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari has been arrested over sedition charges at Dhaka airport as he was leaving the country, media reports said.

Why was the Hindu priest arrested?

The Bangladesh authorities filed a case on Oct 30 against Brahmachari, who has been vocal over violence against Hindus and other religious minorities.

Besides him, the sedition case charged 18 others for allegedly hoisting a saffron flag over Bangladesh’s national flag at Chittagong's New Market intersection on October 25.

On Monday, when Brahmachari was leaving the country, he was stopped by the Bangladeshi authorities and was taken to a police station.