Bangladesh Freezes 17 Bank Accounts Linked to ISKCON, Including Chinmoy Krishna Das
Bangladesh authorities have directed freezing 17 bank accounts connected to International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), including the account of Chinmoy Krishna Das, as per an order from Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) on Thursday, soon after the arrest of Das on sedition charges. It will freeze the accounts for a period of 30 days. Banks have been told to present the statements of all transactions done in three working days.
Background of Chinmoy Krishna Das' Arrest
Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former member of the ISKCON and an organizer of Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, was picked up on Monday from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. He is accused of charges of sedition for allegedly offending Bangladesh's national flag during a Hindu rally in Chattogram. The arrest was made after clashes between the activists of the Hindu leader and the security forces had turned violent, killing a lawyer.
Das was refused bail and sent to jail, where protests were raised by his supporters. The arrest has attracted international attention, particularly from India, which is concerned about the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh.
India Concerned About Arrest and Treatment of Minorities
India has shown deep concern over the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das and the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh. The External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised the issue in Parliament urging the Bangladeshi government to protect the rights of minorities, especially with the rise in violence and attacks on Hindu temples. The Indian government stressed that the Bangladeshi government should ensure the safety of all citizens, particularly the minority groups.
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ISKCON denies its involvement in the lawyer's death
ISKCON Bangladesh has dismissed allegations of involvement in the lawyer's death, terming them unfounded. The organization claims that the accusations are part of a targeted smear campaign against its members. The government continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the violence, even though tensions remain high.
Court ruling and future of ISKCON activities in Bangladesh
Recently, a two-member High Court bench dismissed a petition for outlawing ISKCON in Bangladesh. The court believed no immediate intervention was necessary as law and order would be maintained, thus citizens would be kept safe because of the government.
Increasing Concerns Regarding the Bangladesh Hindu Community
Bangladesh's Hindus, who at one time comprised 22 percent of the population, make up about 8 percent today. Many in the community have reported violence and persecution in recent years. The concerns have been growing regarding the treatment of religious minorities, especially after extremist rhetoric has been on the rise along with violent attacks on temples.
