A court in southeastern Bangladesh has denied bail for a Hindu leader, Krishna Das Prabhu, who faces sedition charges after leading rallies demanding better security for minority groups in the Muslim-majority country. Prabhu, 39, did not appear at the hearing where the bail plea was rejected by the Chattogram Metropolitan Sessions Judge Saiful Islam.
The Public Prosecutor argued that granting bail to Prabhu could lead to potential unrest, citing past incidents where he allegedly incited violence among his supporters. Prabhu's legal team plans to appeal the decision.
Earlier attempts to secure bail were unsuccessful, with lawyers facing threats and intimidation. The court proceedings on Thursday were closely guarded by police and soldiers due to security concerns.
Hindu and other minority groups have criticized the interim government for failing to protect their security, while government officials have downplayed reports of attacks on minorities since August. Prabhu's arrest followed heightened tensions over the desecration of the Indian flag in Bangladesh, leading to retaliatory actions in both countries.
Prabhu, a spokesperson for a Hindu group in Bangladesh, has been described as a symbol of hope for minorities in the country. His association with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness has drawn attention to his case, with concerns raised about his deteriorating health while in custody.
The situation remains tense as legal proceedings continue, with supporters of Prabhu closely monitoring the developments in his case.
