Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das denied parole to see dying mother in Bangladesh
Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a spokesperson for Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jagaran Jote and former ISKCON member, has been imprisoned for nearly two years. Arrested in November 2024 under sedition charges, he was accused of disrespecting Bangladesh's national flag during an October rally demanding minority rights protections.
Das, 71, had been denied parole to visit his dying mother despite a family request. Authorities granted only five hours for funeral attendance, but his mother passed away before he could see her. He had been active in peaceful demonstrations against post-August 2024 violence targeting Hindus following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ouster, when jihadis attacked Hindu communities and sacred sites.
Das's arrest followed his vocal advocacy for minority protection, including demanding a minority affairs ministry and stronger laws against communal violence. A complaint was filed by a local political figure during the October rally at Chittagong's Laldighi Maidan.
