Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), under the jurisdiction of the central bank, has issued a directive freezing the bank accounts of 17 individuals associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), including Chinmoy Krishna Das, spokesperson of Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote.
Sources within the BFIU confirmed that personal and business accounts held by these individuals have been frozen for a period of 30 days.
During this time, no transactions will be permitted.
The freeze may be extended if deemed necessary by the authorities.
The directive, communicated to various banks and financial institutions, invoked the powers granted under Section 23(1)(C) of the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012.
It specifically targeted accounts held by ISKCON-affiliated individuals and entities, excluding those tied to import and export businesses.
Furthermore, the BFIU has mandated that all related account information, including account opening forms, Know Your Customer (KYC) documentation, and transaction histories from inception to date, be submitted within three working days.
The list of individuals whose accounts have been frozen includes Chinmoy Krishna Das (alias Chandan Kumar Dhar), Kartik Chandra De, Anik Pal, Saroj Roy, Sushanta Das, Bishwakumar Sinha, Chandidas Bala, Joydeb Karmakar, Lipi Rani Karmakar, Sudhama Gaur Das, Lakshman Kanti Das, Priyotosh Das, Rupon Das, Rupon Kumar Dhar, Ashish Purohit, Jagadish Chandra Adhikari, and Sajol Das.
This action underscores the central bank’s commitment to curbing illicit financial activities and ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering regulations.
