Bangladesh’s financial authorities have frozen the bank accounts of 17 individuals associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), including former member Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was recently arrested on sedition charges. The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), under the Central Bangladesh Bank, issued a 30-day suspension order, halting all transactions linked to these accounts. Banks have also been instructed to submit updated account statements within three working days.
The crackdown follows Chinmoy Das’s arrest at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport earlier this week. Das, who was previously a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, faces charges related to allegedly disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag during a Hindu community rally in Chattogram. This incident led to violent clashes, resulting in the death of a lawyer. Das was denied bail and sent to jail by a Chattogram court, triggering protests from his supporters.
The incident has drawn international attention. India has expressed deep concern, urging Bangladesh to ensure the safety of its Hindu minority amidst increasing violence, including attacks on temples. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated that protecting minorities is the Bangladeshi government’s responsibility. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also condemned the violence and called for Das’s release.
ISKCON Bangladesh has denied any involvement in the lawyer’s death, labeling the accusations a smear campaign. Meanwhile, the Dhaka High Court has rejected a petition to ban ISKCON, stating that the government should ensure safety and law and order without further judicial intervention.
Hindus in Bangladesh, who once comprised 22% of the population during the 1971 Liberation War, now represent about 8%. The community frequently reports incidents of violence and discrimination, highlighting ongoing challenges for religious minorities in the country.
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