Bangladesh has frozen the bank accounts of 17 individuals linked to ISKCON for 30 days following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON member, on sedition charges. This directive, issued by the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) under the central bank, was sent to financial institutions, requiring them to halt all transactions and provide detailed account statements within three days.

The action follows violent clashes between Hindu community supporters and security forces in Chattogram, leading to the death of a lawyer. Das, a leader of the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, was accused of disrespecting Bangladesh's national flag during a rally. Arrested at Dhaka airport, he was denied bail and sent to jail, sparking protests.

New Delhi expressed concerns over Das’s arrest, urging Bangladesh to ensure the safety of Hindus and other minorities. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also condemned the lawyer's death and called for Das’s release.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh High Court rejected a petition to ban ISKCON activities, ruling that the current circumstances did not justify judicial intervention. The court, however, urged the government to safeguard public safety and property amid rising communal tensions.

ISKCON Bangladesh has denied involvement in the lawyer's death, calling the accusations a smear campaign. The Hindu population, which once made up 22% of Bangladesh’s populace in 1971, has dwindled to around 8%, frequently reporting violence and discrimination.

The rise of extremist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami has further strained the situation. Critics warn that ongoing persecution risks destabilizing communal harmony, urging authorities to address these issues proactively.

This incident underscores the fragile balance of minority rights and governance in Bangladesh, drawing international attention to its treatment of religious minorities.

Bangladesh has frozen the bank accounts of 17 individuals linked to ISKCON for 30 days following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON member, on sedition charges. This directive, issued by the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) under the central bank, was sent to financial institutions, requiring them to halt all transactions and provide detailed account statements within three days.

The action follows violent clashes between Hindu community supporters and security forces in Chattogram, leading to the death of a lawyer. Das, a leader of the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, was accused of disrespecting Bangladesh's national flag during a rally. Arrested at Dhaka airport, he was denied bail and sent to jail, sparking protests.

New Delhi expressed concerns over Das’s arrest, urging Bangladesh to ensure the safety of Hindus and other minorities. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also condemned the lawyer's death and called for Das’s release.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh High Court rejected a petition to ban ISKCON activities, ruling that the current circumstances did not justify judicial intervention. The court, however, urged the government to safeguard public safety and property amid rising communal tensions.

ISKCON Bangladesh has denied involvement in the lawyer's death, calling the accusations a smear campaign. The Hindu population, which once made up 22% of Bangladesh’s populace in 1971, has dwindled to around 8%, frequently reporting violence and discrimination.

The rise of extremist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami has further strained the situation. Critics warn that ongoing persecution risks destabilizing communal harmony, urging authorities to address these issues proactively.

This incident underscores the fragile balance of minority rights and governance in Bangladesh, drawing international attention to its treatment of religious minorities.