Bangladesh Targets ISKCON-Linked Bank Accounts Amid High Court's Refusal To Ban The Hindu Religious Group

Bangladesh's authorities have reportedly directed the freezing of bank accounts for 30 days for 17 people associated with Hindu religious organisation ISKCON, including its ex-member Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested earlier this week.

The move comes after the Bangladesh High Court dismissed a petition seeking ban on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), after a lawyer was killed in a clash between the Hindu leader's supporters and security personnel.

On Thursday, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) issued instructions to various banks and financial institutions, suspending all types of transactions related to these accounts for a month, newspaper Prothom Alo said, according to a report by Bangladeshi newspaper Prothom Alo.

The financial intelligence agency under the central Bangladesh Bank asked the banks and financial institutions to send information, including updated transaction statements of accounts related all businesses owned by these 17 individuals, within the next three working days, it said.

A sedition case was registered on 30 October against 19 people, including Das, at Chattogram's Kotwali Police Station for allegedly disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag during a Hindu community rally in Chattogram's New Market area.

Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, was arrested at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday over sedition allegations.

A Chattogram court denied him bail on Tuesday, sending him to jail, triggering protests by his supporters.

India expressed concern on Tuesday about the arrest and bail denial of the Hindu leader, asking Bangladesh to ensure the safety of Hindus and other minorities.

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also called for Das’ release, and also condemned the lawyer’s death during the protests over his arrest.

ISKCON Bangladesh dismissed claims tying it to the lawyer’s death, labelling them as baseless and part of a malicious campaign.

Hindus, who formed about 22 per cent of Bangladesh’s population during the 1971 Liberation War and now constitute around 8 per cent, have consistently reported acts of violence against their community across the nation.

Reports also indicate a growing presence of extremist organisations like Jamaat-e-Islami and similar ideologically driven factions in Bangladesh.

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