Chittagong Court of Bangladesh has again rejected the bail plea of former ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari. This matter has become a topic of discussion at the national and international level. Former Indian Ambassador Veena Sikri and several foreign affairs experts criticized the decision, calling it a travesty of justice.
Veena Sikri’s response: Serious questions on the justice system
Former Ambassador Veena Sikri expressed deep disappointment over the treason charges against Chinmoy Krishna Das not being dropped despite lack of evidence. Speaking to news agency ANI, he said:
“This is a travesty of justice. The denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das is extremely sad and unusual. There is no concrete evidence behind his arrest.”
Sikri said the allegations pertain to an October 25 rally, but no documents or facts were presented to prove it. He further said that Chinmoy was arrested at Dhaka airport and taken to Chittagong, where for the first time his bail plea was rejected.
Clash between lawyers and one dead
During Chinmay’s last hearing, there was a clash between lawyers and supporters in the court, resulting in the death of one lawyer. Veena Sikri also raised questions on the silence of Bangladesh government and Prime Minister Mohammad Yunus on this matter. He said:
“Yunus only expressed concern over the murdered lawyer, but did not say anything on Chinmay’s case. This is against the principles of justice and humanity towards minorities.”
Question on justice for minorities
Sikri also raised questions about the impartiality of the justice system in the cases of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. He said current events show that Bangladesh’s judicial process can be biased and anti-minority.
Criticism of foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdeva
Foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdeva also strongly criticized this decision. He said that the charges against Chinmoy Krishna Das were not serious and he should have got bail. Sachdeva argued:
“There appears to be government influence over the Bangladeshi judiciary and it is influenced by biased perceptions towards Hindu minorities.”
Sachdeva also said that this stance of the judiciary reflects an attempt to establish Islam as the primary religion and culture in Bangladesh.
International concern over the matter
This case is in international headlines due to the rejection of the bail plea of Chinmoy Krishna Das. Human rights organizations and religious communities of many countries including India are seeing this as organized injustice against minorities.
