Bangladesh Freezes Bank Accounts of 17 ISKCON Members After Arrest

Bangladesh authorities have frozen the bank accounts of 17 people connected to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). This includes Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested this week on sedition charges. The freeze lasts for 30 days. The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) issued the order on Thursday.

Court Rejects Petition to Ban ISKCON

The freeze comes after the Bangladesh High Court rejected a petition to ban ISKCON. The petition followed the killing of a lawyer during clashes between supporters of a Hindu leader and security forces.

Action on Bank Accounts

The BFIU, under Bangladesh Bank, ordered banks to suspend all transactions for the 17 individuals. The banks must also submit updated transaction statements for businesses owned by these people within three days, according to Prothom Alo.

Sedition Case and Protests

On October 30, a sedition case was filed against 19 people, including Das. They were accused of disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag during a rally in Chattogram’s New Market area. Das was arrested at Dhaka’s airport on Monday. He was denied bail and sent to jail by a court in Chattogram. This sparked protests from his supporters.

International Reactions

India expressed concern over the arrest. New Delhi called on Bangladesh to ensure the safety of Hindus and other minorities. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also urged for Das’s release and condemned the killing of the lawyer during protests.

ISKCON Denies Any Connection to Killing

ISKCON Bangladesh denied any involvement in the lawyer’s killing. They called the accusations baseless and part of a malicious campaign.

Also Read: Bangladesh Assures Safety Of Hindus, Denies ISKCON Ban Plans

Court Weighs In

A two-member High Court bench rejected the petition to ban ISKCON. The court stated that the government was handling the situation and hoped it would protect law and order.

Concerns Over Minority Rights

Hindus, who made up 22% of Bangladesh’s population in 1971, now make up about 8%. There have been increasing reports of attacks on the Hindu community. The rise of extremist groups, such as Jamaat-e-Islami, has raised further concerns.