In a significant legal development, a court in southeastern Bangladesh has denied bail to Krishna Das Prabhu, a prominent Hindu leader known for organizing large-scale rallies advocating for the security of minority groups in the predominantly Muslim nation.
Krishna Das Prabhu, aged 39, is facing charges of sedition following his leadership of massive rallies in Chattogram. These events were marked by demands for enhanced protection for minority communities amid rising tensions since the secular government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted. Reports indicate a surge in attacks on Hindus since August, a situation that has heightened communal strains.
At the recent hearing, Judge Saiful Islam of the Chattogram Metropolitan Sessions Court opted to deny bail, citing concerns about potential disruption and violence. Public Prosecutor Mofizul Haque Bhuiyan expressed fears that granting bail might lead to chaos, recalling past incidents when Prabhu’s call to supporters resulted in unrest at the court itself. This stance was reinforced by the presence of strong security measures, including police and military forces, at the hearing.
Legal representation for Prabhu has faced challenges, with previous attempts to secure his release hampered by threats and intimidation. Many lawyers seeking to defend him have been implicated in legal troubles themselves, particularly following the death of a Muslim attorney during earlier clashes outside the court when Prabhu appeared shortly after his arrest in November.
Despite these setbacks, Prabhu’s legal team, led by Apurba Kumar Bhattacharjee, intends to appeal the decision. For the latest hearing, a group of 11 lawyers traveled under security from Dhaka to support him, underscoring the contentious and volatile nature of the proceedings.
International concern has grown, with Hindu and minority organizations criticizing the interim government under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus for allegedly failing to protect marginalized communities. Yunus and his aides, however, argue that the reports of attacks are overstated. Meanwhile, Prabhu’s continued detention occurs amid heightened Indo-Bangladeshi tensions, particularly following instances of the Indian flag being desecrated in Bangladesh, leading to reciprocal protests in India.
Krishna Das Prabhu has been associated with the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatan Jagaran Jote and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), commonly referred to as the Hare Krishna movement. His plight and ongoing detention have made him a symbolic figure among minority groups, with Radharamn Das, a leader in the movement, describing Prabhu as a crucial advocate for their rights.
Krishna Das Prabhu’s case continues to draw attention both within Bangladesh and internationally. The denial of bail reflects broader issues of minority rights and political unrest in Bangladesh, which remain a focal point for observers and advocates for religious freedom and security.
Source: News4jax
