Bangladesh Freezes Bank Accounts of Chinmoy Krishna Das; Hindu Temples Vandalized in Chattogram

Chattogram, Bangladesh – Tensions continue to escalate in Bangladesh following the arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, as the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) froze the bank accounts of 17 individuals linked to ISKCON. The directive was issued on Thursday, alongside rising incidents of violence targeting the Hindu minority community.

Bank Accounts Frozen Amid Protests

The BFIU, under the Central Bangladesh Bank, has instructed all financial institutions to suspend transactions on these accounts for 30 days. Additionally, banks were ordered to submit updated transaction statements for the accounts, including those associated with businesses owned by the individuals, within three working days.

Among those affected is Chinmoy Krishna Das, whose account has been frozen following his arrest under sedition charges. The move has sparked concerns within Bangladesh’s Hindu community, which has been witnessing heightened tensions in recent weeks.

Vandalism of Temples in Chattogram

Amid the ongoing unrest, three Hindu temples were vandalized on Friday in Chattogram’s Harish Chandra Munsef Lane. The Shantaneshwari Matri Temple, Shoni Temple, and Shantaneshwari Kalibari Temple were targeted by a mob of several hundred individuals shouting slogans, according to local reports.

The attackers threw bricks at the temples, causing significant damage to the Shoni Temple and the gates of the other two temples. Local authorities are investigating the incident, which has intensified fear among the Hindu minority population.

India’s Response and Diplomatic Concerns

India has expressed serious concern over the violence. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, addressing Parliament, emphasized that it is Dhaka’s responsibility to protect the life and liberty of all its citizens, including minorities.

On the other hand, Bangladesh has urged New Delhi to ensure the safety of its diplomatic missions in India, following protests at the Deputy High Commission in Kolkata. The Bangladesh government described the incident as alarming and called for immediate action to safeguard its envoys.

A Troubled History of Minority Violence

These developments highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Bangladesh’s minority communities. ISKCON, a prominent Hindu organization, has been at the center of recent controversies, raising concerns about religious freedom and interfaith harmony in the region.

The freezing of bank accounts linked to ISKCON members and the vandalism of temples have deepened the rift between the Hindu minority and the majority population in Bangladesh. As tensions rise, all eyes are on Dhaka to ensure justice and maintain communal harmony while safeguarding its international image.