Bangladesh’s High Court on Sunday granted bail to Hindu religious leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in two cases, The Daily Star reported. However, he will not be released from prison as he is accused in four other cases.

The monk, who was formerly associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, has been in jail since November 25, 2024. He was arrested for allegedly disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag during a rally on October 25 that year in Chittagong.

He is the spokesperson of the Sammilito Sanatani Jagaron Jote, an organisation that advocates for the rights of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.

The two cases in which he was granted bail on Sunday pertain to attempted murder and obstructing police officers from discharging their duties.

The murder case is about the death of a public prosecutor during clashes that broke out on November 26, 2024, between Das’ supporters and lawyers near the Chattogram Court, when his bail petition was rejected.

The police alleged that the Hindu leader’s followers blocked the prison van in which he was travelling, prompting the clash during which a lawyer, Saiful Islam Alif, was hacked to death.

On April 30, 2025, a High Court bench had granted bail to Das in a sedition case. However, the decision was stayed by the Appellate Division's chamber judge, Justice Rezaul Haque.

Following Das’ arrest in November, India’s Ministry of External Affairs reiterated its concern over alleged attacks on Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh, and called for a “fair and transparent” trial for the Hindu leader.

“Our position on the matter is clear – the interim government must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities,” ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said. “We are concerned at the surge of extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence and provocation…ISKCON is a globally well-regarded organisation with a strong record of social service.”

In response, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said that the developments surrounding Das’ arrest were the country’s “internal affairs”. It rejected India’s remarks urging Dhaka to “ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression”.

*Edited by Sneha. *

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