Human rights groups condemn prolonged detention of Bangladesh Hindu leader

Dhaka, September 7 – International human‑rights advocates have condemned the continued imprisonment of Chinmay Krishna Das, describing it as an example of systematic oppression of religious minorities in Bangladesh. The Coalition of Hindus of North America posted a statement on Monday calling the detention “government‑sponsored persecution” and urging the United Nations to investigate.

Since his arrest on November 25, 2024, Das has been charged with six separate offenses, including murder, treason, and vandalism. Although courts have granted him bail in five of the cases, the Supreme Court’s recent stay on the treason bail order forces him to stay behind bars.

The organization highlighted that the Hindu community, which constituted 22% of the population in 1951, now makes up only about 8% of Bangladesh’s citizens. They warned that the ongoing violence and legal harassment signal a broader pattern of minority rights erosion under successive governments.

Local activists have organized multiple rallies demanding Das’s immediate release and broader protection for Hindus across the nation. The situation remains tense, with legal battles expected to continue for months.