Dhaka, 6 May (H.S.): A Bangladesh court ordered the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in four additional cases on Tuesday, following a similar action against him in a murder case. The decision was made by Chattogram Metropolitan Magistrate SM Alauddin Mahmud during a virtual hearing, as reported by state-run BSS news agency.

Das, a former ISKCON leader, was initially arrested on November 25 last year at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka over alleged sedition involving defamation of the national flag. Following his arrest, protests erupted, led by his supporters in Dhaka and beyond. The four new cases involve accusations of obstructing police duties and attacking lawyers. The court’s order was issued after a plea was granted to show Das as arrested during the hearing, which took place virtually for his security.

Anticipating potential unrest, security measures were intensified at the Chattogram court and jail. Previously, a High Court bench had ordered Das’ release on bail, but that decision was stayed by the Appellate Division after an appeal. His defense claimed that the allegations concerning the national flag were unfounded, as it did not pertain to the actual national flag.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar