Dhaka, 30 November 2024: Bangladesh authorities ordered a 30-day freeze on the bank accounts of 17 individuals linked to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), including former member Chinmoy Krishna Das, arrested this week on sedition charges, according to local media reports.
The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) directed banks and financial institutions on Thursday to suspend transactions tied to these accounts and provide updated transaction statements and other financial details within three working days, the Prothom Alo reported.
This decision followed the Bangladesh High Court’s rejection of a petition calling for a ban on ISKCON. The petition emerged after violent clashes between the group’s supporters and security forces led to the death of a lawyer.
On October 30, a sedition case was filed at Chattogram’s Kotwali police station against 19 individuals, including Das. The group allegedly disrespected Bangladesh’s national flag during a Hindu community rally in the city’s New Market area.
The investigation into ISKCON has intensified, with officials scrutinizing the organization’s financial dealings. One senior official, speaking anonymously, stated, “The freeze is a precautionary measure to ensure transparency and prevent misuse of funds during the ongoing inquiry.”
The situation has sparked debate across the country, with some viewing the crackdown as necessary to uphold national integrity, while others raise concerns about religious freedom.
