Sharma Ji
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In case there's no route to extradition, sure doesn't look it like atm anyway.
[🇧🇩] Everything about Hasina's misrule/Laundered Money etc.
Bangladesh Defense
Sharma Ji
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Do people want vengeance ? are they baying for her blood ?
or is it bygones already, you lot just glad she hightailed it the fugk outta there ?
or is it bygones already, you lot just glad she hightailed it the fugk outta there ?
Saif
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AL policy favouring oligarchs dampened economy
The Awami League government favoured the super-rich who controlled capital and laundered the funds aboard, dampening the country’s economy.
AL policy favouring oligarchs dampened economy
Says former central bank chief economist Birupaksha Paul
The Awami League government favoured the super-rich who controlled capital and laundered the funds aboard, dampening the country's economy.
Meanwhile, ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina had announced a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, which is the "biggest mockery of the century", former central bank chief economist Birupaksha Paul has said.
The professor of economics at the State University of New York at Cortland in the US discussed disproportionate economic growth, tampered data, the link between democracy and development, and many other issues in an interview with The Daily Star last week.
He said the AL's economic policy was gradually being biased towards the super-rich who already occupied means of production, capital, and land in this land-scarce country.
The faulty economic policy heavily affected financing through banks, and the capital market malfunctioned. "So, in these cases, the Awami League did not do a good job at all," Paul said.
He said surrendering to the oligarchs and pampering the super-rich despite being a grassroots party ruined the AL's foundational ethics, and it deviated from its own commitments.
"And the super-rich not just only controlled capital, they also laundered a huge part of it," he said.
The market economy was introduced in the early 90s to get rid of monopolies, but the AL created some government-sponsored monopolies, Paul said.
"Someone is controlling everything. Someone is controlling the gold industry, someone is controlling the banking industry, and someone is capturing seven banks.
"Why were you [Hasina] telling the zero-tolerance thing when people very close to you were hugely corrupt? Even before the mass uprising, this fact was divulged by the media, but the government did not take any steps," he said.
DATA
Paul also questioned the data of economic indicators. Even if the World Bank's calculation that Bangladesh's average GDP growth was 5 percent in the past one and a half decades is true, the rate is not bad, he said.
"The problem is that growth does not necessarily indicate development or address income inequality. The most shocking part is – you are growing, but you are growing disproportionately."
The growth is coming from the industrial sector, very specifically just from garments and middlemanship with very little value addition, said the economist.
Unlike politicians, economists have been very serious about the integrity of data. However, data were not reliable because of tampering by some ministers to show high per capita income and growth, and low inflation and unemployment.
"The government was not serious about integrity and honesty of the policy. And the Awami League paid the price," Paul remarked.
DEMOCRACY AND DEVELOPMENT
There are some ideal stories where countries like England show that democracy and development are not mutually exclusive, Paul said. "Actually, democracy can make a better way of development."
He thinks there was democracy initially during the AL's tenure, but later the government started saying that development is very important for democracy.
For a strong democracy, institutions must be powerful, but in Bangladesh, institutions were run by mainly people obedient to the government. "The best example was retired bureaucrats, who wouldn't say anything and were not innovative at all," Paul said.
"Although South Korea is developing, why North Korea could not do this? The same people, same culture, but they did not create the institutions. Now, South Korea's income is more than 10 times higher than North Korea."
The AL showed that there were institutions in the country, but even the judiciary, the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Competition Commission, banks, capital market – all were corrupt, said Paul.
"One [AL] leader made 360 houses in London, in England, and without any accountability. Even the prime minister knew about this but did not take any step.
"That's why I said that zero tolerance towards corruption is the biggest mockery of the century."
The East Asian nations invested a lot of money in research, education and health while these sectors are hugely neglected or sometimes totally politicised in Bangladesh, Paul pointed out.
"We cannot improve our educational rankings because we've put all the political people in the institutions and politicised the campuses. Now the interim government has done something like banning one party, one student front. Why not all student fronts?"
Paul hailed incumbent Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur for fighting against inflation.
To tame inflation, Paul advised the authorities to keep the supply chain mechanism friendly to the consumers, and prevent extortions at all levels.
"And a reliable data mechanism should be introduced so that producers can make decisions properly."
Paul recommended abolishing the Financial Institution Division under the finance ministry to ensure minimum influence of the government in the banking sector.
He suggested passing a fiscal responsibility law to ensure fiscal discipline, transparency, and long-term sustainability of public finances.
The economist also recommended restructuring the time of the fiscal year, starting from January instead of July.
Says former central bank chief economist Birupaksha Paul
The Awami League government favoured the super-rich who controlled capital and laundered the funds aboard, dampening the country's economy.
Meanwhile, ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina had announced a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, which is the "biggest mockery of the century", former central bank chief economist Birupaksha Paul has said.
The professor of economics at the State University of New York at Cortland in the US discussed disproportionate economic growth, tampered data, the link between democracy and development, and many other issues in an interview with The Daily Star last week.
He said the AL's economic policy was gradually being biased towards the super-rich who already occupied means of production, capital, and land in this land-scarce country.
The faulty economic policy heavily affected financing through banks, and the capital market malfunctioned. "So, in these cases, the Awami League did not do a good job at all," Paul said.
He said surrendering to the oligarchs and pampering the super-rich despite being a grassroots party ruined the AL's foundational ethics, and it deviated from its own commitments.
"And the super-rich not just only controlled capital, they also laundered a huge part of it," he said.
The market economy was introduced in the early 90s to get rid of monopolies, but the AL created some government-sponsored monopolies, Paul said.
"Someone is controlling everything. Someone is controlling the gold industry, someone is controlling the banking industry, and someone is capturing seven banks.
"Why were you [Hasina] telling the zero-tolerance thing when people very close to you were hugely corrupt? Even before the mass uprising, this fact was divulged by the media, but the government did not take any steps," he said.
DATA
Paul also questioned the data of economic indicators. Even if the World Bank's calculation that Bangladesh's average GDP growth was 5 percent in the past one and a half decades is true, the rate is not bad, he said.
"The problem is that growth does not necessarily indicate development or address income inequality. The most shocking part is – you are growing, but you are growing disproportionately."
The growth is coming from the industrial sector, very specifically just from garments and middlemanship with very little value addition, said the economist.
Unlike politicians, economists have been very serious about the integrity of data. However, data were not reliable because of tampering by some ministers to show high per capita income and growth, and low inflation and unemployment.
"The government was not serious about integrity and honesty of the policy. And the Awami League paid the price," Paul remarked.
DEMOCRACY AND DEVELOPMENT
There are some ideal stories where countries like England show that democracy and development are not mutually exclusive, Paul said. "Actually, democracy can make a better way of development."
He thinks there was democracy initially during the AL's tenure, but later the government started saying that development is very important for democracy.
For a strong democracy, institutions must be powerful, but in Bangladesh, institutions were run by mainly people obedient to the government. "The best example was retired bureaucrats, who wouldn't say anything and were not innovative at all," Paul said.
"Although South Korea is developing, why North Korea could not do this? The same people, same culture, but they did not create the institutions. Now, South Korea's income is more than 10 times higher than North Korea."
The AL showed that there were institutions in the country, but even the judiciary, the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Competition Commission, banks, capital market – all were corrupt, said Paul.
"One [AL] leader made 360 houses in London, in England, and without any accountability. Even the prime minister knew about this but did not take any step.
"That's why I said that zero tolerance towards corruption is the biggest mockery of the century."
The East Asian nations invested a lot of money in research, education and health while these sectors are hugely neglected or sometimes totally politicised in Bangladesh, Paul pointed out.
"We cannot improve our educational rankings because we've put all the political people in the institutions and politicised the campuses. Now the interim government has done something like banning one party, one student front. Why not all student fronts?"
Paul hailed incumbent Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur for fighting against inflation.
To tame inflation, Paul advised the authorities to keep the supply chain mechanism friendly to the consumers, and prevent extortions at all levels.
"And a reliable data mechanism should be introduced so that producers can make decisions properly."
Paul recommended abolishing the Financial Institution Division under the finance ministry to ensure minimum influence of the government in the banking sector.
He suggested passing a fiscal responsibility law to ensure fiscal discipline, transparency, and long-term sustainability of public finances.
The economist also recommended restructuring the time of the fiscal year, starting from January instead of July.
Saif
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Committed to bring back laundered money
While retrieving laundered money is a challenging task, the interim government is fully committed to the effort, said Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief adviser, yesterday.
Committed to bring back laundered money
Says press secretary
Shafiqul Alam
While retrieving laundered money is a challenging task, the interim government is fully committed to the effort, said Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief adviser, yesterday.
He made the remarks during a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy.
Bangladesh is currently engaged in discussions with various heads of state, international financial institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States to facilitate the recovery of funds siphoned from the country.
According to Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh, between $12 billion and $15 billion has been illegally transferred out of Bangladesh annually over the past 15 years.
"Bringing back the laundered money is a tough job. However, the government has implemented extensive measures to recover these public funds, which, if returned, could be used for the betterment of the people," Shafiqul said.
He said Chief Adviser Prof.Muhammad Yunus addressed the issue during meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly summit, where the recovery of siphoned funds was a key agenda item.
Shafiqul confirmed that discussions were held with Western ambassadors, including the US ambassador, UK high commissioner, and the Swiss envoy, regarding this matter.
The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit is actively working on the issue, collaborating with the FBI.
He said the interim government recognises the significant contributions of the four national leaders -- Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmad, AHM Quamruzzaman and M Mansur Ali -- who were killed in jail on November 3, 1975, and played vital roles during the Liberation War.
Regarding a recent attack on the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Shafiqul condemned all forms of violence and said that the government has ordered a probe into the incident.
He also condemned recent attacks on the Jatiyo Party office, affirming that law enforcement is addressing these issues.
Says press secretary
Shafiqul Alam
While retrieving laundered money is a challenging task, the interim government is fully committed to the effort, said Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief adviser, yesterday.
He made the remarks during a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy.
Bangladesh is currently engaged in discussions with various heads of state, international financial institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States to facilitate the recovery of funds siphoned from the country.
According to Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh, between $12 billion and $15 billion has been illegally transferred out of Bangladesh annually over the past 15 years.
"Bringing back the laundered money is a tough job. However, the government has implemented extensive measures to recover these public funds, which, if returned, could be used for the betterment of the people," Shafiqul said.
He said Chief Adviser Prof.Muhammad Yunus addressed the issue during meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly summit, where the recovery of siphoned funds was a key agenda item.
Shafiqul confirmed that discussions were held with Western ambassadors, including the US ambassador, UK high commissioner, and the Swiss envoy, regarding this matter.
The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit is actively working on the issue, collaborating with the FBI.
He said the interim government recognises the significant contributions of the four national leaders -- Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmad, AHM Quamruzzaman and M Mansur Ali -- who were killed in jail on November 3, 1975, and played vital roles during the Liberation War.
Regarding a recent attack on the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Shafiqul condemned all forms of violence and said that the government has ordered a probe into the incident.
He also condemned recent attacks on the Jatiyo Party office, affirming that law enforcement is addressing these issues.
Saif
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Graft was biggest hurdle in drawing FDI over last 15yrs
Corruption and policy inconsistencies have posed significant challenges to attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh over the past 15 years, said Ashik Chowdhury, the first private-sector leader to head the government’s key investment promotion agencies.
Graft was biggest hurdle in drawing FDI over last 15yrs
Says head of govt’s key investment promotion agencies BIDA, BEZA
Ashik Chowdhury
Corruption and policy inconsistencies have posed significant challenges to attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh over the past 15 years, said Ashik Chowdhury, the first private-sector leader to head the government's key investment promotion agencies.
"Countries such as India and Vietnam have successfully attracted FDI by shifting away from protective policies," the new executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) said.
"In Bangladesh, the gap between policy and execution will be bridged by promoting a results-driven, investor-focused approach," he said in an interview with The Daily Star.
Strengthening the financial sector, especially foreign currency management, alongside reforms in infrastructure and energy, will support business expansion and attract large-scale investments. A clearer path for ownership and profit transfer is also crucial for foreign investors, he added.
Chowdhury said he is adopting a multipronged approach to improve ease of doing business, with digitalisation at the centre. "We are streamlining processes, improving land access and ensuring policy consistency," he said.
One of the key initiatives will be the launch of the D-Nothi (digital file management system) in November to simplify approval processes and improve coordination with other government agencies to deliver a more integrated investor experience, he said.
BIDA, the government's apex investment promotion agency, has been ramping up efforts to attract FDI through targeted sectoral promotion and direct engagement with industry leaders, according to him.
"We are building a positive narrative by showcasing success stories and competitive advantages. We're using digital engagement platforms to facilitate virtual investment opportunities and organise site visits tailored to investor interests. Our facilitation goal is to build direct connections between high-value businesses and decision-makers.
"We are working closely with international chambers of commerce and industry associations to address concerns and offer customised solutions. We are also enhancing our communication channels to deliver timely and accurate information to investors," he said.
In the coming days, BIDA and BEZA will focus on enhancing capacity and leveraging private-sector expertise, he said. "We want to be the top government agency for investment in the next year by providing a positive experience that inspires people to become ambassadors for Bangladesh."
In order to ensure accountability, BIDA is enhancing its monitoring and evaluation systems and collaborating closely with other government agencies to expedite critical processes such as land acquisition, environmental clearances, and utility connections.
He believes together, these efforts, along with a stable policy framework, will create an environment more conducive to private sector investment, and promote sustainable economic growth.
Chowdhury was an investment banker at HSBC Singapore, specialising in infrastructure and sustainable finance.
He began his banking career at Standard Chartered and headed finance at American Airlines, covering Europe and Asia. He has also advised the Grameen Telecom Trust.
Chowdhury has an MSc in finance from the London Business School. He got his BBA in finance and economics from the Institute of Business Administration at Dhaka University.
A chartered financial analyst, Chowdhury is a certified skydiver and holds the Guinness World Record for the longest freefall with a flag. He is also a private pilot licensed in the UK.
Says head of govt’s key investment promotion agencies BIDA, BEZA
Ashik Chowdhury
Corruption and policy inconsistencies have posed significant challenges to attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh over the past 15 years, said Ashik Chowdhury, the first private-sector leader to head the government's key investment promotion agencies.
"Countries such as India and Vietnam have successfully attracted FDI by shifting away from protective policies," the new executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) said.
"In Bangladesh, the gap between policy and execution will be bridged by promoting a results-driven, investor-focused approach," he said in an interview with The Daily Star.
Strengthening the financial sector, especially foreign currency management, alongside reforms in infrastructure and energy, will support business expansion and attract large-scale investments. A clearer path for ownership and profit transfer is also crucial for foreign investors, he added.
Chowdhury said he is adopting a multipronged approach to improve ease of doing business, with digitalisation at the centre. "We are streamlining processes, improving land access and ensuring policy consistency," he said.
One of the key initiatives will be the launch of the D-Nothi (digital file management system) in November to simplify approval processes and improve coordination with other government agencies to deliver a more integrated investor experience, he said.
BIDA, the government's apex investment promotion agency, has been ramping up efforts to attract FDI through targeted sectoral promotion and direct engagement with industry leaders, according to him.
"We are building a positive narrative by showcasing success stories and competitive advantages. We're using digital engagement platforms to facilitate virtual investment opportunities and organise site visits tailored to investor interests. Our facilitation goal is to build direct connections between high-value businesses and decision-makers.
"We are working closely with international chambers of commerce and industry associations to address concerns and offer customised solutions. We are also enhancing our communication channels to deliver timely and accurate information to investors," he said.
In the coming days, BIDA and BEZA will focus on enhancing capacity and leveraging private-sector expertise, he said. "We want to be the top government agency for investment in the next year by providing a positive experience that inspires people to become ambassadors for Bangladesh."
In order to ensure accountability, BIDA is enhancing its monitoring and evaluation systems and collaborating closely with other government agencies to expedite critical processes such as land acquisition, environmental clearances, and utility connections.
He believes together, these efforts, along with a stable policy framework, will create an environment more conducive to private sector investment, and promote sustainable economic growth.
Chowdhury was an investment banker at HSBC Singapore, specialising in infrastructure and sustainable finance.
He began his banking career at Standard Chartered and headed finance at American Airlines, covering Europe and Asia. He has also advised the Grameen Telecom Trust.
Chowdhury has an MSc in finance from the London Business School. He got his BBA in finance and economics from the Institute of Business Administration at Dhaka University.
A chartered financial analyst, Chowdhury is a certified skydiver and holds the Guinness World Record for the longest freefall with a flag. He is also a private pilot licensed in the UK.
Saif
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Annually up to $15 billion laundered from Bangladesh during last Awami League tenure
TIB executive director said at ERF event
Annually up to $15 billion laundered from Bangladesh during last Awami League tenure
TIB executive director said at ERF event
Photo: Collected
Every year some $12 billion to $15 billion was laundered from the country during the immediate past Awami League-led government, Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), said today.
Trade-based money laundering was one of the major ways of money laundering, he said.
Bringing back the laundered money is possible, but it is time-consuming, he said.
Politics, bureaucracy and business should be more responsible for stopping the money laundering.
The TIB executive director made the comments at a seminar on laundered money and how to recover the money, held at the office of the Economic Reporters' Forum in Dhaka.
TIB executive director said at ERF event
Photo: Collected
Every year some $12 billion to $15 billion was laundered from the country during the immediate past Awami League-led government, Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), said today.
Trade-based money laundering was one of the major ways of money laundering, he said.
Bringing back the laundered money is possible, but it is time-consuming, he said.
Politics, bureaucracy and business should be more responsible for stopping the money laundering.
The TIB executive director made the comments at a seminar on laundered money and how to recover the money, held at the office of the Economic Reporters' Forum in Dhaka.
Saif
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Investigate Tk 3,859cr loan to Bashundhara 4 days before fall of Hasina govt: HC
The High Court on Sunday directed the authorities to investigate alleged irregularities in sanctioning a Tk 3,859 crore loan to Bashundhara Group four days before the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5 amid a student-led mass uprising.
www.newagebd.net
Investigate Tk 3,859cr loan to Bashundhara 4 days before fall of Hasina govt: HC
Staff Correspondent 03 November, 2024, 22:35
Front view of Supreme Court building in Dhaka. | File photo
The High Court on Sunday directed the authorities to investigate alleged irregularities in sanctioning a Tk 3,859 crore loan to Bashundhara Group four days before the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5 amid a student-led mass uprising.
A bench of Justice Mohammad Ullah and Justice Foyej Ahmed ordered the finance secretary, cabinet secretary, National Board of Revenue chairman, Bangladesh Bank governor, Anti-Corruption Commission chairman, and the head of the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit to submit a report on the investigation’s progress within four months.
The High Court passed the order responding to a public interest writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Sarwar Hossain. The petition cited a Prothom Alo report published on September 15 detailing the loan approval.
The report raised concerns about special loan facilities granted to Bashundhara Group in violation of banking norms.
Sarwar Hossain, representing himself, argued that former Bangladesh Bank governor Abdur Rouf Talukder along with the chairman of National Bank Limited’s board of directors, and its managing director, approved the loan, allegedly breaching banking rules and regulations.
The court wanted to know why the failure to investigate those involved in the loan sanction should not be declared illegal and why they should not face legal action.
The Prothom Alo report noted that Bangladesh Bank had deferred Bashundhara Group’s loan repayments for two years, with the group’s debt to National Bank amounting to Tk 3,859 crore, of which Tk 3,844 crore was the principal amount.
The loan amount reportedly exceeded the ceiling by eight times.
The Bank Company Act allows a maximum of 15 per cent of the bank’s paid-up capital, equivalent to Tk 482 crore, for a single borrower with an additional 10 per cent or Tk 321 crore as loan facilities.
Staff Correspondent 03 November, 2024, 22:35
Front view of Supreme Court building in Dhaka. | File photo
The High Court on Sunday directed the authorities to investigate alleged irregularities in sanctioning a Tk 3,859 crore loan to Bashundhara Group four days before the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5 amid a student-led mass uprising.
A bench of Justice Mohammad Ullah and Justice Foyej Ahmed ordered the finance secretary, cabinet secretary, National Board of Revenue chairman, Bangladesh Bank governor, Anti-Corruption Commission chairman, and the head of the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit to submit a report on the investigation’s progress within four months.
The High Court passed the order responding to a public interest writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Sarwar Hossain. The petition cited a Prothom Alo report published on September 15 detailing the loan approval.
The report raised concerns about special loan facilities granted to Bashundhara Group in violation of banking norms.
Sarwar Hossain, representing himself, argued that former Bangladesh Bank governor Abdur Rouf Talukder along with the chairman of National Bank Limited’s board of directors, and its managing director, approved the loan, allegedly breaching banking rules and regulations.
The court wanted to know why the failure to investigate those involved in the loan sanction should not be declared illegal and why they should not face legal action.
The Prothom Alo report noted that Bangladesh Bank had deferred Bashundhara Group’s loan repayments for two years, with the group’s debt to National Bank amounting to Tk 3,859 crore, of which Tk 3,844 crore was the principal amount.
The loan amount reportedly exceeded the ceiling by eight times.
The Bank Company Act allows a maximum of 15 per cent of the bank’s paid-up capital, equivalent to Tk 482 crore, for a single borrower with an additional 10 per cent or Tk 321 crore as loan facilities.
Saif
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9 bank accounts of ex-home minister frozen
The Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Court issued an order on Tuesday asking to freeze nine bank accounts belonging to former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan.
www.newagebd.net
9 bank accounts of ex-home minister frozen
Staff Correspondent 06 November, 2024, 00:38
Asaduzzaman Khan.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Court issued an order on Tuesday asking to freeze nine bank accounts belonging to former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan.
Besides, the Anti-Corruption Commission on Tuesday filed two cases against eight people, including former deputy general manager AHM Gulam Kibria Khan of Bangladesh Krishi Bank, on charges of embezzling about Tk 70 crore.
Dhaka senior special judge Md Zakir Hossain ordered the seizure of the nine bank accounts of former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan following a petition filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission.
Of the accounts, there are three bank accounts at Union Bank PLC, and at City Bank PLC each, one at Janata Bank PLC, at Shimanto Bank PLC, and at Sonali Bank PLC each.
A total of Tk 12.11 crore is currently deposited in the nine accounts.
On October 9, 2024, the ACC filed a case against Asaduzzaman Khan with its integrated district office in Dhaka on charges of amassing illegal wealth worth Tk 16.41 crore and suspicious transactions of Tk 55 crore at his eight bank accounts.
ACC deputy director Atikul Alam filed the two cases with its integrated district office in Chattogram, said ACC deputy director for public relations Aktarul Islam.
A case was filed against Krishi Bank’s DGM AHM Gulam Kibria Khan, M/S NA Corporation owner Mohammad Nurul Absar, senior principal officer Mohammad Hashem, former assistant general manager SKM Murshed, and former Patiya branch regional manager Md Iliyas.
According to the case, the accused, in collusion with each other, embezzled Tk 20.74 crore from the Sholashahar branch of Bangladesh Krishi Bank in the name of a loan through abusing power and forgery.
The other case was filed against M/S Rahman Trading owner Hefaztur Rahman, M/S Global International owner Mahabubul Alam Chowdhury, former DGM Gulan Kibria Khan, SK Murshed, and Md Iliyas.
The case statement said that the accused, in collusion with each other, took a Tk 48.97 crore loan from the Sholashahar branch of Bangladesh Krishi Bank through abusing power and embezzled the money.
Staff Correspondent 06 November, 2024, 00:38
Asaduzzaman Khan.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Court issued an order on Tuesday asking to freeze nine bank accounts belonging to former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan.
Besides, the Anti-Corruption Commission on Tuesday filed two cases against eight people, including former deputy general manager AHM Gulam Kibria Khan of Bangladesh Krishi Bank, on charges of embezzling about Tk 70 crore.
Dhaka senior special judge Md Zakir Hossain ordered the seizure of the nine bank accounts of former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan following a petition filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission.
Of the accounts, there are three bank accounts at Union Bank PLC, and at City Bank PLC each, one at Janata Bank PLC, at Shimanto Bank PLC, and at Sonali Bank PLC each.
A total of Tk 12.11 crore is currently deposited in the nine accounts.
On October 9, 2024, the ACC filed a case against Asaduzzaman Khan with its integrated district office in Dhaka on charges of amassing illegal wealth worth Tk 16.41 crore and suspicious transactions of Tk 55 crore at his eight bank accounts.
ACC deputy director Atikul Alam filed the two cases with its integrated district office in Chattogram, said ACC deputy director for public relations Aktarul Islam.
A case was filed against Krishi Bank’s DGM AHM Gulam Kibria Khan, M/S NA Corporation owner Mohammad Nurul Absar, senior principal officer Mohammad Hashem, former assistant general manager SKM Murshed, and former Patiya branch regional manager Md Iliyas.
According to the case, the accused, in collusion with each other, embezzled Tk 20.74 crore from the Sholashahar branch of Bangladesh Krishi Bank in the name of a loan through abusing power and forgery.
The other case was filed against M/S Rahman Trading owner Hefaztur Rahman, M/S Global International owner Mahabubul Alam Chowdhury, former DGM Gulan Kibria Khan, SK Murshed, and Md Iliyas.
The case statement said that the accused, in collusion with each other, took a Tk 48.97 crore loan from the Sholashahar branch of Bangladesh Krishi Bank through abusing power and embezzled the money.
Saif
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How could fugitive ex-Speaker submit biometrics for passport?
The question arises, if the passport employees got a trace of Shirin Sharmin then how come the police did not?
How could fugitive ex-Speaker submit biometrics for passport?
Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury. File photo
She is wanted in a murder case and police are looking for her.
However, former Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, from a hideout, has applied for a new general e-passport.
She also gave her biometrics to passport employees at the hideout.
The question arises, if the passport employees got a trace of Shirin Sharmin then how come the police did not?
Amid this, Md Mazid Ali, commissioner of the Rangpur Metropolitan Police, told The Daily Star today, "She is a fugitive accused in a murder case, and we are conducting drives to arrest her."
Asked whether police will interrogate the passport officials who took Sharmin's fingerprints, Mazid, without giving any direct answer, said, "The issue is under investigation."
The former Awami League MP of Rangpur-6 is an accused in a murder case filed over the death of a gold worker, Muslim Uddin in Rangpur, according to police.
On August 22, the government revoked the diplomatic (red) passports of the members of the now-defunct parliament, including the former prime minister, as well as her advisers and other officials who held such passports, after the fall of the AL regime in a mass uprising on August 5.
On October 3, the former Speaker along with her husband, Syed Ishtiaque Hossain, applied for a normal e-passport at the passport office in Dhaka's Agargaon.
They were supposed to submit their biometrics on October 10, which they allegedly gave to passport officials from their hideout.
Sources at the passport office alleged that in the application, the former Speaker mentioned that she was ill and "managed special arrangements".
However, from where Shirin Sharmin has given her biometrics remains a mystery as police sources claimed that she was not found at her Dhanmondi residence, which she mentioned as a present address in the passport application.
The rules of the e-passport application state that even if everything can be done at home, the applicant must go to the concerned passport office for biometrics on the scheduled date. Only sick and physically challenged people will be able to take advantage of this facility from home or hospital through the special service mobile team of the passport office.
When asked about whether an investigation was being conducted against passport officials responsible taking Sharmin's fingerprints from her hideout, Firoz Sarker, additional secretary (security and immigration wing), of the Security Services Division of the home ministry refused to comment saying, "I am not authorised to comment in this regard."
The information officer of the ministry can answer this, he said.
Faisal Hasan, senior information officer of the ministry, said he does not have any information in this regard and suggested communicating with the Department of Immigration and Passport (DIP).
The Daily Star reached out to Major General Md Nurul Anwar, director general of the DIP, but he did not receive the call.
However, in a press notification, the DIP today stated, "Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury does not have any active passport now. The diplomatic passport issued to her has already been revoked like all other diplomatic passports."
"Around one and a half months ago, she submitted the diplomatic passport and applied for a general passport. Applying for a new passport is a long process. A passport is only issued to a person after verification and analysis in different phases," reads the DIP notification.
The notification further added, "The application to get a new general passport in exchange for Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury's diplomatic passport is still in the primary stage. She did not get a new passport yet."
This newspaper also tried to communicate with Shirin Sharmin but no one picked up the calls.
Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury. File photo
She is wanted in a murder case and police are looking for her.
However, former Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, from a hideout, has applied for a new general e-passport.
She also gave her biometrics to passport employees at the hideout.
The question arises, if the passport employees got a trace of Shirin Sharmin then how come the police did not?
Amid this, Md Mazid Ali, commissioner of the Rangpur Metropolitan Police, told The Daily Star today, "She is a fugitive accused in a murder case, and we are conducting drives to arrest her."
Asked whether police will interrogate the passport officials who took Sharmin's fingerprints, Mazid, without giving any direct answer, said, "The issue is under investigation."
The former Awami League MP of Rangpur-6 is an accused in a murder case filed over the death of a gold worker, Muslim Uddin in Rangpur, according to police.
On August 22, the government revoked the diplomatic (red) passports of the members of the now-defunct parliament, including the former prime minister, as well as her advisers and other officials who held such passports, after the fall of the AL regime in a mass uprising on August 5.
On October 3, the former Speaker along with her husband, Syed Ishtiaque Hossain, applied for a normal e-passport at the passport office in Dhaka's Agargaon.
They were supposed to submit their biometrics on October 10, which they allegedly gave to passport officials from their hideout.
Sources at the passport office alleged that in the application, the former Speaker mentioned that she was ill and "managed special arrangements".
However, from where Shirin Sharmin has given her biometrics remains a mystery as police sources claimed that she was not found at her Dhanmondi residence, which she mentioned as a present address in the passport application.
The rules of the e-passport application state that even if everything can be done at home, the applicant must go to the concerned passport office for biometrics on the scheduled date. Only sick and physically challenged people will be able to take advantage of this facility from home or hospital through the special service mobile team of the passport office.
When asked about whether an investigation was being conducted against passport officials responsible taking Sharmin's fingerprints from her hideout, Firoz Sarker, additional secretary (security and immigration wing), of the Security Services Division of the home ministry refused to comment saying, "I am not authorised to comment in this regard."
The information officer of the ministry can answer this, he said.
Faisal Hasan, senior information officer of the ministry, said he does not have any information in this regard and suggested communicating with the Department of Immigration and Passport (DIP).
The Daily Star reached out to Major General Md Nurul Anwar, director general of the DIP, but he did not receive the call.
However, in a press notification, the DIP today stated, "Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury does not have any active passport now. The diplomatic passport issued to her has already been revoked like all other diplomatic passports."
"Around one and a half months ago, she submitted the diplomatic passport and applied for a general passport. Applying for a new passport is a long process. A passport is only issued to a person after verification and analysis in different phases," reads the DIP notification.
The notification further added, "The application to get a new general passport in exchange for Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury's diplomatic passport is still in the primary stage. She did not get a new passport yet."
This newspaper also tried to communicate with Shirin Sharmin but no one picked up the calls.
Saif
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Pistol, ammo registered to ex-home boss Kamal found abandoned
Police today recovered a pistol, magazines, and 25 rounds of ammunition registered to former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, which were found abandoned near his residence in the capital's Monipuripara area
Pistol, ammo registered to ex-home boss Kamal found abandoned
Police today recovered a pistol, magazines, and 25 rounds of ammunition registered to former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, which were found abandoned near his residence in the capital's Monipuripara area.
A team from Tejgaon Police Station recovered the firearm on Tuesday, said Talebur Rahman, deputy commissioner (media) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police.
Tipped-off, they conducted a search and discovered an abandoned shopping bag between Houses #132 and 139 in Monipuripara. Upon searching the bag, they found one plastic gun case, one 32-caliber 7.62 mm pistol, two pistol magazines, 25 rounds of bullets, five cleaning kits, and a pistol licence.
Upon primary investigation and license verification, police said that the weapon belongs to former home minister Kamal.
In compliance with regulations, the recovered firearm and ammunition are now in the custody of Tejgaon Police Station, the police official said adding that legal proceedings were underway.
Kamal, also a former MP for Dhaka-12, faces multiple criminal charges, including murder. The ex-minister has been on the run since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5.
Police today recovered a pistol, magazines, and 25 rounds of ammunition registered to former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, which were found abandoned near his residence in the capital's Monipuripara area.
A team from Tejgaon Police Station recovered the firearm on Tuesday, said Talebur Rahman, deputy commissioner (media) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police.
Tipped-off, they conducted a search and discovered an abandoned shopping bag between Houses #132 and 139 in Monipuripara. Upon searching the bag, they found one plastic gun case, one 32-caliber 7.62 mm pistol, two pistol magazines, 25 rounds of bullets, five cleaning kits, and a pistol licence.
Upon primary investigation and license verification, police said that the weapon belongs to former home minister Kamal.
In compliance with regulations, the recovered firearm and ammunition are now in the custody of Tejgaon Police Station, the police official said adding that legal proceedings were underway.
Kamal, also a former MP for Dhaka-12, faces multiple criminal charges, including murder. The ex-minister has been on the run since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5.
Saif
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Govt to tally Mujib Borsho celebration spending
The interim government has decided to prepare a report on the amount of money spent during the celebration of Mujib Borsho, marking the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Govt to tally Mujib Borsho celebration spending
The interim government has decided to prepare a report on the amount of money spent during the celebration of Mujib Borsho, marking the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief adviser, made the announcement at a press conference following a meeting.
The relevant ministries would compile lists detailing how and in which sectors funds were spent for the celebration.
"There were too many state-sponsored events centred around Mujib Borsho… several thousand crores of Taka were wasted in these celebrations. These are public funds…" Shafiqul Alam said, speaking at the Foreign Service Academy.
He also mentioned that many private companies were pressured into spending money. "Many were forced to set up Mujib Corners, and others were compelled to build sculptures of Mujib," he added.
The fallen government, led by Sheikh Hasina, celebrated Mujib Borsho to mark the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. They declared the year 2020-21 as Mujib Year. Initially, the government planned to celebrate the year from March 17, 2020, to December 16, 2021, but this was later extended by nine months, from 17 March 2021 to 16 December 2021, due to the Coivid-19 pandemic.
The interim government has decided to prepare a report on the amount of money spent during the celebration of Mujib Borsho, marking the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief adviser, made the announcement at a press conference following a meeting.
The relevant ministries would compile lists detailing how and in which sectors funds were spent for the celebration.
"There were too many state-sponsored events centred around Mujib Borsho… several thousand crores of Taka were wasted in these celebrations. These are public funds…" Shafiqul Alam said, speaking at the Foreign Service Academy.
He also mentioned that many private companies were pressured into spending money. "Many were forced to set up Mujib Corners, and others were compelled to build sculptures of Mujib," he added.
The fallen government, led by Sheikh Hasina, celebrated Mujib Borsho to mark the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. They declared the year 2020-21 as Mujib Year. Initially, the government planned to celebrate the year from March 17, 2020, to December 16, 2021, but this was later extended by nine months, from 17 March 2021 to 16 December 2021, due to the Coivid-19 pandemic.
Saif
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Violators of press freedom will be brought to book
CA's deputy press secretary tells discussion
Violators of press freedom will be brought to book
CA's deputy press secretary tells discussion
File photo: Collected
Everyone who helped to curb freedom of the press in the last 15 years will be brought to book, said the Chief Advisor's Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir.
His remark came in response to a question about whether the Directorate General Forces Intelligence will be held accountable for their alleged role in threatening journalists and suppressing the media during the Sheikh Hasina-led government.
The deputy press secretary was speaking at a discussion at the University of Liberal Arts, Bangladesh (ULAB) marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. The discussion was cohosted with Unesco.
Noting that "sycophant media" had a role in flourishing the authoritarian Awami League regime, discussants said its role and activities have to be evaluated in the new political reality.
Faruk Wasif, director general of the Press Institute of Bangladesh, emphasised carrying out reform in the sector in such a way that the media truly represents the public.
"The Awami regime had solidified its position by consolidating acceptance among the urban middle class. A new middle class has risen since then, many coming from outside the capital, and they were at the forefront of the revolution. They are educated and they will not be fooled so easily," he said.
He also warned against targeting individuals and called for systemic reforms.
Speakers also pointed out the recent trend of prosecution of journalists on charges including murder based on political beliefs and called it repression of press freedom.
Tasneem Khalil, editor-in-chief of Netra News, photojournalist Jannatul Mawa, political analyst and founder of Benchmark PR Ashraf Kaiser, and Zyma Islam, senior reporter at The Daily Star, also spoke at the event.
CA's deputy press secretary tells discussion
File photo: Collected
Everyone who helped to curb freedom of the press in the last 15 years will be brought to book, said the Chief Advisor's Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir.
His remark came in response to a question about whether the Directorate General Forces Intelligence will be held accountable for their alleged role in threatening journalists and suppressing the media during the Sheikh Hasina-led government.
The deputy press secretary was speaking at a discussion at the University of Liberal Arts, Bangladesh (ULAB) marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. The discussion was cohosted with Unesco.
Noting that "sycophant media" had a role in flourishing the authoritarian Awami League regime, discussants said its role and activities have to be evaluated in the new political reality.
Faruk Wasif, director general of the Press Institute of Bangladesh, emphasised carrying out reform in the sector in such a way that the media truly represents the public.
"The Awami regime had solidified its position by consolidating acceptance among the urban middle class. A new middle class has risen since then, many coming from outside the capital, and they were at the forefront of the revolution. They are educated and they will not be fooled so easily," he said.
He also warned against targeting individuals and called for systemic reforms.
Speakers also pointed out the recent trend of prosecution of journalists on charges including murder based on political beliefs and called it repression of press freedom.
Tasneem Khalil, editor-in-chief of Netra News, photojournalist Jannatul Mawa, political analyst and founder of Benchmark PR Ashraf Kaiser, and Zyma Islam, senior reporter at The Daily Star, also spoke at the event.
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