Sat May 03 18:01:12 UTC 2025: ## Bangladesh Court to Rule on Fate of Prominent Hindu Leader

**DHAKA, Bangladesh (May 3, 2025)** – The fate of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent Hindu leader in Bangladesh, hangs in the balance as an appellate court prepares to rule on his case on Sunday. Das, who has been imprisoned since October 2024, faces charges of sedition and inciting violence.

Das, formerly the leader of ISKCON in Bangladesh, rose to prominence after the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime in August 2024, advocating for the protection of the Hindu minority community amidst a surge in violence. His arrest followed rallies where allegations of disrespecting the national flag were made. Subsequent clashes outside a Chittagong court resulted in the death of a young lawyer, with Das further accused of involvement.

While the High Court granted Das bail on April 30th, the Supreme Court immediately stayed the decision, prompting Sunday’s hearing. The interim government, despite earlier promises, has yet to conduct an investigation into the October 2024 rallies and subsequent violence.

Das’s case is being closely watched regionally, given his significant influence in Bangladesh’s increasingly volatile political landscape, particularly with elections approaching later this year. His supporters point to the lack of investigation as a factor working in his favor. The outcome of Sunday’s hearing will have significant implications for religious minorities in Bangladesh and the country’s political stability.

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