The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), a division of the central bank, has directed the suspension of transactions for the bank accounts of 17 individuals associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), including spokesperson Chindmaya Krishna Das, for a period of 30 days. The directive has been sent to various banks and financial institutions across the country.

As a result, all transactions in the accounts of these 17 individuals will be frozen for the next 30 days. The individuals affected by this order include Chandan Kumar Dhar (Chindmaya Krishna Das), Kartik Chandra De, Anik Pal, Saroj Ray, Sushanta Das, Bishwo Kumar Singh, Chandidas Bala, Jaydev Karmakar, Lipi Rani Karmakar, Sudhama Gour Das, Lakshan Kanti Dash, Priyotosh Dash, Rupon Das, Rupon Kumar Dhar, Ashish Purhohit, Jagdish Chandra Adhikari, and Sajal Das.

The BFIU’s letter mentions that under the authority of the Money Laundering Prevention Act 2012, Section 23(1)(g), transactions in the bank accounts of ISKCON and its affiliated individuals, as well as their owned institutions (excluding accounts for import-export businesses), will be suspended for 30 days. Additionally, the BFIU has instructed that all account-related information, such as account opening forms, KYC forms, and updated transaction details, should be submitted within the next three business days.