Melbourne, April 15, 2025- Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu, a prominent leader of the Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha, remains detained under what many are calling an unlawful interim government directive. A close source, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that efforts are ongoing to secure his release from prison as soon as possible.
Chinmoy Prabhu’s mother is permitted to visit him at the prison once every two weeks. The two colleagues who were detained alongside him are reportedly cooking for him inside the jail.
According to the source, Chinmoy Prabhu’s mother is permitted to visit him at the prison once every two weeks. The two colleagues who were detained alongside him are reportedly cooking for him inside the jail.
The incident dates back to October 25, when a rally was organised at Laldighi Mor in Chattogram by the Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha. During this event, Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu delivered a speech. It has been alleged that he dishonoured the national flag during this rally. In response, BNP leader Firoz Khan filed a sedition case on October 31 against Prabhu and 18 others.
Following this, on November 25, Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu was arrested by the Detective Branch of Dhaka Police at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and transferred to Chattogram. His bail plea was rejected by the Metropolitan Magistrate Court on November 26 and again by the Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court on January 2, 2025.
On January 12, Advocate Apurba Bhattacharya filed a bail petition in the High Court on behalf of Chinmoy Prabhu. The High Court issued a rule on February 4 asking why bail should not be granted. According to his lawyer, the case may be scheduled for hearing in the first week after the Eid holiday when the High Court resumes on April 20. The hearing is expected to take place on April 23 before the bench of Justice Mohammad Atowar Rahman and Justice Mohammad Ali Reza.
Since his detention, Chinmoy Prabhu has reportedly lost 7 kilograms and has been diagnosed with a liver condition. He underwent a medical check-up last week.
Advocate Apurba Bhattacharya stated that the charges brought against Chinmoy Prabhu are false and weak. He also mentioned that Prabhu is allowed one weekly call with him upon court approval. In their most recent conversation, Prabhu said he remains mentally strong and expressed deep gratitude to all those working for his release across the world.
Since his detention, Chinmoy Prabhu has reportedly lost 7 kilograms and has been diagnosed with a liver condition. He underwent a medical check-up last week.
The sedition case filed at Kotwali Police Station accuses him and others of hoisting a saffron religious flag of ISKCON over the national flag at the October 25 rally, allegedly violating the country’s sovereignty. The charges were filed under Penal Code sections 120(B), 124(A), 153(A), 109, and 34.
However, according to Advocate Apurba, Prabhu was not even present at the alleged location of the incident but was instead delivering his speech two kilometres away. Notably, Prabhu began his speech by singing the national anthem and hoisting the national flag—an act that stands as a symbol of patriotism, not treason.
Following his arrest, members of the Hindu community protested outside the Chattogram court on November 26, leading to a police crackdown where one lawyer was reportedly killed. In connection with this, 21 Hindu individuals were arrested. Furthermore, local lawyers in Chattogram were reportedly threatened not to represent Chinmoy Prabhu, forcing legal support to come from a team led by Advocate Apurba Bhattacharya from Dhaka.
Advocate Apurba expressed hope that the upcoming High Court hearing will finally grant Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu the bail he deserves and lead to his release.
