Bangladesh’s financial authorities have frozen the bank accounts of 17 individuals associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) for 30 days following sedition charges against one of its former members, Chinmoy Krishna Das. The directive, issued by the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) on Thursday, is the latest development in a series of events that have escalated tensions in the country.
The freeze order follows the filing of a sedition case on October 30 against 19 individuals, including Das, for allegedly disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag during a Hindu community rally in Chattogram’s New Market area. Das, who is also a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, was arrested on Monday at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. His bail was denied by a Chattogram court on Tuesday, sparking protests from his supporters.
New Delhi expressed concern over the arrest, urging Bangladesh to ensure the safety of Hindu minorities. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also called for Das’s release while condemning the killing of a lawyer during protests over his arrest.
Financial Scrutiny
The BFIU has instructed banks and financial institutions to suspend all transactions for the accounts of the 17 individuals and provide updated transaction records within three working days. This measure is part of a broader investigation into the activities of those linked to ISKCON, which has been under scrutiny following clashes that resulted in the death of a lawyer.
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The Bangladesh High Court recently declined a petition to ban ISKCON’s activities in the country. A two-member bench ruled that the current situation did not warrant judicial intervention, emphasizing that the State is actively addressing the matter. The court also urged the government to maintain law and order and protect citizens’ lives and properties.
ISKCON’s Response and Rising Tensions
ISKCON Bangladesh has denied involvement in the lawyer’s killing, labeling the accusations as part of a malicious campaign.
Meanwhile, concerns about the safety of Bangladesh’s Hindu minority continue to grow. Hindus, who once constituted 22 percent of the population during the 1971 Liberation War, now represent about 8 percent. Reports of rising extremism, including the activities of groups like Jamaat-e-Islami, have further heightened anxieties.
As the situation unfolds, the international community is closely monitoring Bangladesh’s response to minority protection and law enforcement.
