Bangladesh monk pleads not guilty at start of high-profile murder trial

Bangladesh opened the trial of outspoken Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das on Monday over a lawyer's murder in 2024, a case that has highlighted religious strife in the mainly Muslim country.

Das was brought before a court in the southeastern city of Chittagong, where he rejected the murder charge before being escorted back to detention under heavy security.

Dozens of lawyers shouted "murderer" as he was led out.

The case involves the killing of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif on November 26, 2024, during violent unrest that erupted after a court had rejected Das's bail application.

Prosecuting lawyer Md Raihanul Wazed told reporters that it was "a sensitive case" that touched on "communal harmony and national security".

He said that Das and the 38 other defendants, all followers of the influential monk, were responsible for Alif's death.

"The prosecution firmly believes that the evidence produced will prove their culpability, and that justice will prevail," said the lawyer.

The case has emerged as a symbol of strained religious relations in Muslim-majority Bangladesh.

The country has grappled with political instability since a mass uprising ended the iron-grip rule of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.

Das is a spokesman for the Hindu group Sammilito Sanatan Jagaran Jote, which organised several rallies after Hasina's ouster to decry alleged attacks and discrimination against Hindu communities.

Hindus are Bangladesh's largest religious minority, making up around eight percent of the country's approximately 170 million people.

Das was initially arrested in November 2024 on sedition charges after leading a rally in Chittagong, where he was accused of disrespecting the national flag.

His detention and the subsequent denial of bail triggered protests that spiralled into violence, culminating in Alif's killing.

Religious relations have come under heightened scrutiny as Bangladesh prepares for its first elections since the 2024 uprising, scheduled for March 12.

According to police figures released on Monday, out of 645 incidents involving members of minority group last year, about 12 percent were classified as having a sectarian motive.