[🇧🇩] Everything about Hasina's misrule/Laundered Money etc.

[Saif]

HASINA FAMILY, 10 BUSINESS GROUPS: BB governor asks teams to expedite graft probes

Bangladesh Bank governor Ahsan H Mansur on Thursday directed 11 joint investigation teams to expedite their probes into corruption allegations against the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her family members, and 10 business groups...

www.newagebd.net

HASINA FAMILY, 10 BUSINESS GROUPS: BB governor asks teams to expedite graft probes
Staff Correspondent 17 January, 2025, 00:25

UNB file photo

Bangladesh Bank governor Ahsan H Mansur on Thursday directed 11 joint investigation teams to expedite their probes into corruption allegations against the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her family members, and 10 business groups.

The central bank governor also asked the team to collaborate effectively to resolve data-sharing challenges.

Mansur gave the instructions at a meeting with the 11 teams, held at the central bank’s headquarters to discuss the progress and activities of the investigation teams.

The government formed the teams to investigate allegations of bribery, corruption, fraud, money laundering, tax evasion and illegal fund transfers involving Hasina, her family members, and 10 business groups.

The teams consist of members from the Criminal Investigation Department, the National Board of Revenue, the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit.

The Anti-Corruption Commission has been designated to lead the 11 joint investigation teams, as per a January 6 directive issued by the Financial Institutions Division of the finance ministry.

Mansur stressed the necessity of a coordinated approach to advancing the investigations and ensuring seamless information exchange among the teams.

According to Bangladesh Bank officials, dedicated office spaces have been allocated to the teams at the central bank’s headquarters to facilitate their work.

The investigations focus on Hasina, her family, affiliated individuals, institutions and trusts, and 10 large industrial groups — Aramit Group, S Alam Group, Beximco, Nasa Group, Sikder Group, Bashundhara Group, Summit Group, Orion Group, Gemcon Group and Nabil Group.

The owners and associates of these groups will also come under scrutiny.

At the meeting with the BB governor, the investigation teams presented updates on their progress.

Mansur urged them to intensify their efforts and maintain transparency while adhering to legal frameworks.

Media reports said that Tulip Siddiq, Sheikh Hasina’s niece, resigned from her position in the United Kingdom government on January 14 after being implicated in graft investigations in Bangladesh.

The reports said that Hasina’s family members, including Tulip, had already emerged as named targets of the ACC’s investigation into accusations of embezzlement of $5 billion connected to a Russian-funded nuclear power plant.

The investigation team will examine her alleged involvement in corruption, money laundering, bribery, and misuse of power, aligning these actions with the broader probes into Sheikh Hasina’s family.

The teams have been given strict guidelines, including adherence to anti-terror financing laws and regulations. They must also maintain confidentiality and report progress to the Financial Institutions Division under the finance ministry.

On December 2, 2024, the Financial Institutions Division directed the BFIU to launch joint investigations under anti-money laundering laws. The structure and guidelines for these investigations were revised on January 6 to enhance their effectiveness.​

 

[Bilal9]

Tulip Siddiq (British MP and Hasina's niece) resigns amid corruption probe, she is alleged to have helped her aunt conduct graft activity worth Billions.

 

[Saif]

Tulip Siddiq (British MP and Hasina's niece) resigns amid corruption probe, she is alleged to have helped her aunt conduct graft activity worth Billions.

Corruption-----it runs in the Sheikh family.

 

[Saif]

ACC to send graft info about Saima to WHO

The Anti-Corruption Commission will send corruption information about the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s daughter, Saima Wazed Putul, to the World Health Organisation through the foreign affairs ministry.

www.newagebd.net

ACC to send graft info about Saima to WHO
Staff Correspondent 20 January, 2025, 00:39

Saima Wazed Putul

The Anti-Corruption Commission will send corruption information about the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s daughter, Saima Wazed Putul, to the World Health Organisation through the foreign affairs ministry.

The anti-graft agency has taken the step to send the letter after it has filed a corruption case against Saima Wazed Putul, who is serving as the regional director of the WHO.

The letter would be sent to the foreign ministry today, and based on the information sent by the ACC, the ministry might write to the WHO to take action against Saima, said an ACC official.

In November 2023, Saima was elected regional director of the WHO for the South-East Asia Region.

On January 15, the ACC started an enquiry against Saima over allegations that she had used various corrupt practices to be appointed as the WHO regional director.

There are allegations that Saima’s mother and deposed prime minister Hasina, who was ousted on August 5, 2024, amid a mass uprising, had misused her power to appoint Saima, despite her lack of qualifications.

On January 12, the ACC filed a case against Hasina, Saima and 14 others over allegations of corruption in allotting Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha land plots in the Purbachal New Town project.

Saima had used her mother’s power to gain the allotment of Plot 017 on Road 203 of Sector 27 of the Purbachal New Town Project, violating laws, the ACC case statement said.

Early this month, the ACC filed a total of six cases against Hasina and her family members on charges of corruption in allotting Rajuk land plots at the Purbachal New Town project.​

 

[Saif]

S Alam’s loans hit Tk 2.25 lakh crore, 44pc anonymous

Controversial S Alam Group has acquired a staggering Tk 2.25 lakh crore from 10 banks and a non-bank financial institution, pushing the country’s banking sector and economy into a severe crisis.

www.newagebd.net

S Alam’s loans hit Tk 2.25 lakh crore, 44pc anonymous
Mostafizur Rahman 22 January, 2025, 00:21

Controversial S Alam Group has acquired a staggering Tk 2.25 lakh crore from 10 banks and a non-bank financial institution, pushing the country’s banking sector and economy into a severe crisis.

About 44 per cent or Tk 97,486 crore of the loans was taken using shell companies and anonymously while Tk 92,676 crore was taken in the business group’s name and Tk 34,866 crore indirectly, according to the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit data submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission.

At a press conference on August 28, 2024, Bangladesh Bank governor Ahsan H Mansur termed the S Alam scandal ‘the largest bank heist in world history’, accusing the business group of using state mechanisms to acquire over Tk 2 lakh crore ($16.6 billion).

The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit has found preliminary evidence that a significant portion of these funds has been laundered.

A joint investigation team led by the ACC has already been formed to probe the S Alam Group’s alleged money laundering. Criminal Investigation Department of the Bangladesh Police and the National Board of Revenue are also in the team.

Such a massive withdrawal of funds most of which was allegedly laundered has sent exchange rates soaring, with the dollar selling at now at Tk 122, foreign exchange reserves dwindling to $20 billion and commodity prices skyrocketing.

S Alam Group chairman Saiful Alam Masud was a close associate of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina who fled to India amid a student-led mass uprising on August 5, 2024.

Saiful and his family acquired Singaporean citizenship in 2021, renouncing Bangladeshi nationality in 2020.

S Alam withdrew from Islami Bank Bangladesh Tk 1.05 lakh crore, First Security Islami Bank Tk 45,636 crore, Social Islami Bank Tk 12,876 crore, Union Bank Tk 23,526 crore, Global Islami Bank Tk 13,250 crore, Bangladesh Commerce Bank Tk 995 crore, Al-Arafah Islami Bank Tk 377 crore, National Bank Tk 2,346 crore, Exim Bank Tk 6,346 crore and state-run Janata Bank Tk 12,332 crore and from NBFI Aviva Finance Tk 1,858 crore.

The loans from Islami Bank, constituting 70 per cent of the business group’s total loans, were secured against collateral worth less than Tk 6,000 crore.

The loans have already begun to be classified as defaulted as the business group was not repaying the instalments. The group defaulted on Tk 11,734 crore with Janata Bank and Union Bank as of September 2024.

The amount of the business group’s total loans will continue rising as loan interests will be added to the total loans due to non-payments.

Due to such massive fund withdrawals and irregularities, these institutions except Al-Arafah Islami Bank have found them in a serious crisis and failed to pay back depositors’ money. Islami Bank is now trying to turn around after the disaster.

The business group had controlled the banks except Janata Bank and Exim Bank before the fall of the Awami League-led government.

BB officials said that S Alam’s loan spree had escalated after the 2018 national elections, leveraging political connections and bypassing banking regulations.

The past Awami League regime allegedly had facilitated S Alam’s control of multiple banks under state patronage.

S Alam Group chairman Saiful Alam Masud has now initiated a legal effort as a Singaporean citizen to recover losses he claims were caused by the interim government freezing his assets and harming his investments, The Financial Times reported on December 24.

Saiful and his family currently reside abroad and they could not be contacted for comment regarding the fund withdrawal and money laundering allegations. The group’s executive director, Subrata Kumar Bhowmik, could not be reached over phone.

Moinul Islam, a former economics professor at the Chittagong University, told New Age that the loans in question were political in nature and those were approved with the consent of the ousted prime minister, Sheikh Hasina.

‘It is inconceivable that a single business group could control seven banks and withdraw such a massive amount of loans without her knowledge,’ he said, adding that this level of corruption under government patronage was unprecedented globally.

He noted that sales of the business group’s all collateral and assets would recover only a fraction of the loans.

Moinul urged the government to accept the fact that the bulk of the loans could not be recovered and to frame economic policies to address the banking crisis, keeping this reality in mind.

He also emphasised the need for identifying the ultimate beneficiaries of these loans, even if they include members of the Sheikh Hasina’s family.

Mustafa K Mujeri, former chief economist of the Bangladesh Bank, told New Age that a single business group securing such a massive amount of loans against minimal collateral was a blatant irregularity, amounting to looting from banks.

He held the former board members, management officials of the banks, and the Bangladesh Bank as the regulator, accountable for these large-scale scams.

Identifying and prosecuting those who were responsible are essential to prevent corruption in future, he said.

Mujeri suggested that the banks first negotiate with the business group to recover the loans. If negotiations fail, legal actions, including selling the group’s other properties, should follow, he said.

He also recommended that the government and banks pursue international arbitration to recover the business group’s overseas assets.

Bangladesh Bank executive director Husne Ara Shikha, also the spokesperson for the central bank, told New Age that the banks, which were previously under S Alam’s control, were now free from the business group’s influence.

Investigations into his loan irregularities and alleged money laundering are ongoing, she added.

The Bangladesh Bank data showed that the amount of non-performing loans in the country’ banking sector shot up by more than Tk 1 lakh crore to Tk 2,84,977 crore in September 2024 from Tk 1,82,295 crore at the end of March.

About 17 per cent of total bank loans of Tk 16.82 lakh crore was classified as non-performing, the highest in South Asia.​

 

[Saif]

Hasina awarded 830 plots to ‘loyalists and sycophants’

Other than politicians and bureaucrats, 30 journalists, 30 artistes and cultural activists received the RAJUK plots. The long list of the beneficiaries include leaders of Awami League, Jubo League and Bangladesh Chhatra League, businessmen, contractors, judges, expatriates, lawyers and...

en.prothomalo.com

Hasina awarded 830 plots to ‘loyalists and sycophants’
Arifur Rahman
Dhaka
Updated: 21 Jan 2025, 15: 08

Bureaucrat Helaluddin Ahmed was secretary of the election commission (EC) during 11th parliamentary election in 2018, that earned the infamy of “night-time vote”. Helaluddin was given a plot of 7-katha in RAJUK’s Purbachal project five months before that election. He was given the plot for “outstanding role” in government services.

After the Bangladesh Awami League came to power in the “night election”, Helaluddin was made secretary of the local government department. After his retirement in 2022, Helaluddin was made a member of the Public Service Commission (PSC).

Helaluddin went into hiding after the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August last year. He was arrested on 23 October that year and remains in jail since then.

Pinu Khan was an MP in the reserved seat for women in the 9th parliamentary election in 2014, which was marred by boycott of opposition parties. Her son Bokhtiar Alam alias Roni was given a plot in the Purbachal project in 2013 for “outstanding contribution” at national level.

The price tag of each katha land in these projects is more than Tk 10 million now. RAJUK sells plots of 3, 5,7 and 10 katha. Some of the beneficiaries have already sold the plots they received in quota.

Bokhtiar shot two rickshaw pullers in the city’s Eskaton in 2015 for being stuck at a traffic jam. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in the case in 2019 and in jail since then.

Thus, the Awami League government offered Rajuk plots to persons close to the party or its chief, ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, for “remarkable contributions” in different sectors.

They were given plots at RAJUK’s housing projects named Purbachal New Town, Uttara 3rd phase project and Jhilmil Housing Project only at Tk 200,000 to Tk 300,000 per katha. However, the price of per katha land was much higher at that time. The price tag of each katha land in these projects is more than Tk 10 million now. RAJUK sells plots of 3, 5,7 and 10 katha. Some of the beneficiaries have already sold the plots they received in quota.

Prothom Alo ran an investigation for two and half months to find out how many plots were distributed under section 13(A) of allotment of land rules of RAJUK for “outstanding contributions”. To date the names of 830 such plot recipients can be recovered. RAJUK officials said some more individuals were given plots under this section. Work is on to prepare a full list.

Prothom Alo ran an investigation for two and half months to find out how many plots were distributed under section 13(A) of allotment of land rules of RAJUK for “outstanding contributions”. To date the names of 830 such plot recipients can be recovered.

Analysing the names of the plot recipients, Prothom Alo found that most plots were grabbed by the MPs of the last three parliaments (9th, 10th and 11th). At least 256 former MPs got the plots while at least 22 ministers, 12 state ministers and 39 secretaries were among the recipients of plots for their “remarkable contributions”.

Other than politicians and bureaucrats, 30 journalists, 30 artistes and cultural activists received the RAJUK plots. The long list of the beneficiaries include leaders of Awami League, Jubo League and Bangladesh Chhatra League, businessmen, contractors, judges, expatriates, lawyers and university teachers.

Autocrat Sheikh Hasina’s assignment officers, personal officers, personal assistants and at least 15 drivers of the prime minister’s office also got plots.
These people are mainly known as influentials or sycophants of Awami League. Some of them even grabbed plots through lobbying.

Autocrat Sheikh Hasina’s assignment officers, personal officers, personal assistants and at least 15 drivers of the prime minister’s office also got plots.

Plots were also allocated to Sheikh Hasina and her family members as well. Hasina received a 10-katha plot in Purbachal; her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed, younger sister Sheikh Rehana (Rehana Siddiq), her son Radwan Mujib Siddiq and daughter Azmina Siddiq alias Ruponti were also allocated 10-katha plot each in Purbachal.

In total, six of the family received 60 katha land. Each 10-katha plot was priced at Tk 3 million which was paid in 2022.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) recently filed cases against Hasina and six members of her family on charges of attaining allocated plots in Dhaka’s Purbachal through misuse of power and irregularities.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina’s nephew and Jubo League president Sheikh Fazle Shams Porosh also got a plot in Purbachal.

The recipients of the plots include “godfather”, money embezzler, loan defaulter, controversial individuals and daughters of former ministers and secretaries.

RAJUK sources said that applications for plots were made to the Prime Minister’s Office and the housing and public works ministry. At that time, with the consent of Sheikh Hasina, the PMO would decide who would get the plot. Later, the list would be sent to RAJUK through the ministry. The board of RAJUK would only approve the papers .

Housing and public works secretary Hamidur Rahman Khan told Prothom Alo on 15 January in his office that a committee has been formed by the court to review the plots allocated by RAJUK under the reserved quota and “outstanding contributions” quota. The ministry will take action according to the committee's recommendations.

He further said that the current interim government has repealed 13(A) of the RAJUK plot allocation rules regarding and section 7 regarding reserved quota.

Our responsibility is to see whether the plots have been given within the rules or not. We will submit a report accordingly. The court will give the final decision--Justice Miftah Uddin Chowdhury.

The High Court formed a three-member committee on 24 October last year to investigate allegations of irregularities in the allocation of plots by RAJUK between 2009 and 2024.

High Court division’s retired justice Miftah Uddin Chowdhury, lawyer Jasim Uddin Sarkar and engineer Alamgir Hasin are members of this committee. They have been asked to submit a report within 120 days.

Justice Miftah Uddin Chowdhury told Prothom Alo on 18 January that the government has been asked to make sitting arrangements for the committee members and provide manpower. It has not been received yet. The sooner the government makes these arrangements, the sooner it will be possible to start work.

“Our responsibility is to see whether the plots have been given within the rules or not. We will submit a report accordingly. The court will give the final decision,” he added.

Former ministers of Awami League

RAJUK has three housing projects in Dhaka city. Of these, Purbachal project has a total of 26,213 plots, Jhilmil project has 1,774 plots and Uttara 3rd phase has 8,414 plots.

Allegation against RAJUK is that it has developed these housing projects by acquiring lands from mass people at a nominal price (Tk 15,000 to Tk 20,000 per katha). The influential persons were allocated lands in these projects through reserve quota. Officials of RAJUK also received plots. But they pay little or no interest in making the city livable.

A review of the list of people who received plots from RAJUK shows that the 22 former ministers received plots for their “outstanding contributions”.

The list includes Shajahan Khan, Faruk Khan, Anisul Huq, Rajiuddin Ahmed alias Raju, Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury alias Maya, Asaduzzaman Khan, AKM Mozammel Haque, Zahid Maleque, Dipu Moni, Tajul Islam, Quamrul Islam, Nuruzzaman Ahmed, Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, RAM Ubaidul Muktadir Chowdhury, Nurul Islam B.Sc., Mojibul Haque, Afsarul Amin (deceased), Abdul Matin Khasru (deceased), Suranjit Sen Gupta (deceased) and Mohibul Hassan Chowdhoury.

A total of 12 state ministers, who received plots are Nazmul Hassan alias Papon, Kamal Ahmed Majumder, Major (retd) Rafiqul Islam, Mujibur Rahman Fakir, Dipankar Talukder, Pramod Mankin, Swapan Bhattacharya, Abdul Hai, Enamur Rahman, Meher Afroz Chumki, Shamsul Alam and Wasika Ayesha Khan.

Many were allocated plots despite having plots or flats in Dhaka, which is a violation of the law. One such man is Kamal Ahmed Majumder who told Prothom Alo back in 2021 that he has an ancestral home in Dhaka. Kamal is now in jail.

Former speaker Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury received a 10-katha plot of RAJUK. Hasina’s security affairs adviser Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique and economic affairs adviser Moshiur Rahman received 10-katha plots each.

Former Awami League MPs

Sheikh Sarhan Naser Tonmoy was elected an MP from Bagerhat-2 in the “night election” in 2018. Tonmoy is the son of Sheikh Hasina’s cousin Sheikh Helal. He was allocated a 10-katha plot soon after becoming a lawmaker. Most of the 256 lawmakers allocated plots are members of the Awami League.

Among the former lawmakers who received plots include Shamim Osman, Nizam Uddin Hazari, Haji Md Salim, Shahin Chakladar, Saifuzzaman Shikhar, Nurunnabi Chowdhury alias Shawon, Fahim Golandaz, Tanvir Hasan alias Chhoto Monir, Talukder Mohammad Touhid Jung Murad, Mrinal Kanti Das, Selim Altaf George, Sheikh Afil Uddin, Pankaj Debnath, Mahbub ul Alam Hanif, Sukumar Ranjan Ghosh, Naimur Rahman Durjoy, Omar Faruq Chowdhury, Shahdab Akbar Chowdhury, Saimum Sarwar Kamal, Abu Reza Muhammad Nezam Uddin Nadavi, Professor Md Ali Ashraf (deceased), Badiuzzaman Sohag, Fazilatunnesa Bappi (deceased), Bazlul Haque Harun (BH Harun), Zafar Alam, Anwarul Azim Anar (murdered in India), Ashek Ullah Rafiq, Najma Akhter, Samil Uddin Ahmed (Shimul) and others.

Some of them are in prison while most of them are in hiding since the ouster of the Awami League government.

Samil Uddin, a former lawmaker of Chapainawabganj-1, fled to India after the fall of Awami League. He told Prothom Alo on 15 January that he received the plot as a lawmaker like many others. He said he attained the plot applying under section 13 (A) which states “remakable contributions”.

Former BNP MP Syeda Asifa Ashrafi Papia also got a plot from RAJUK. Former BNP MP Abdus Sattar Bhuiyan, who contested in the Brahmanbaria-2 by-election in 2023 with the support of the governing Awami League and left the party, also got a plot. Mahi B Chowdhury, senior joint secretary general of Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh, Rezaul Karim (Tansen) of JASAD, and Mustafa Lutfullah of Bangladesh Workers Party also received the plots.

MPs of JaPa & other parties

The former MPs of Jatiya Party (JaPa) who attained plots include Roushan Ershad, Pir Fazlur Rahman, Shamim Haider Patwari, Liakat Hossain Khoka, Nasrin Jahan Ratna, Shawkat Chowdhury, Nurul Islam Talukder, Rawshan Ara Mannan, Nurul Islam Omar and Ziaul Haque Mridha.

There are also defaulters among those who got plots. One of them is Mahzabin Morshed. In January 2023, the court barred her and her husband Morshed Murad Ibrahim, along with four others, from leaving the country in a Tk 3 billion default case.

Former BNP MP Syeda Asifa Ashrafi Papia also got a plot from RAJUK.

Former BNP MP Abdus Sattar Bhuiyan, who contested in the Brahmanbaria-2 by-election in 2023 with the support of the governing Awami League and left the party, also got a plot. Mahi B Chowdhury, senior joint secretary general of Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh, Rezaul Karim (Tansen) of JASAD, and Mustafa Lutfullah of Bangladesh Workers Party also received the plots.

Upama Barua, daughter of Dilip Barua, general secretary of Bangladesh Samyabadi Dal and education minister in Sheikh Hasina’s cabinet, also received a plot.

‘Plot as gift’ for secretaries

Many bureaucrats got embroiled in partisanship during the reign of the Awami League. Many bureaucrats are accused of aiding and abetting one-sided and staged elections during the Awami League. They received their perks in return.

The Awami League government provided plots to at least 39 former and current bureaucrats for their service. Of them, 18 were allocated plots just two months before the 12th parliamentary election that earned the infamy of “dummy election”.

Those who received plots at that time include Jahangir Alam, the then secretary of the EC.

Other former and current secretaries who received plots include Ahmed Kaikaus, Mahbub Hossain, Fazle Kabir (former governor of Bangladesh Bank), Sheikh Yusuf Harun, Mezbah Uddin Chowdhury, Mostafizur Rahman, Muhammad Ibrahim, Amin Ullah Noori, Kamal Uddin Ahmed, Akhtar Hossain, Ashraf Uddin, Moinul Kabir, Sultan Ahmed, Syed Afsar H Uddin, AKM Fazlul Haque, Nabirul Islam, Abdullah Al Masud Chowdhury, Farid Ahmed, Selim Reza, Ahmed Munirus Salehin, Humayun Kabir Khandaker, Abul Kashem Mohammad Mohiuddin, Ziaul Hasan, Abu Bakr Siddique, Sheikh Muhammad Salim Ullah, Humayun Kabir, Muhammad Yamin Chowdhury, Khairul Alam Sheikh, Abdus Salam, Israt Chowdhury and Zakir Hossain Akand.

Planning commission’s former secretary Jakir Hossain Akanda told Prothom Alo on 15 January that he applied for the plot after being a secretary. He was given a 5-katha plot in Purbachal.

In reply to what contribution fetched him the plot, Jakir Hossain replied, “I don’t know what contribution I had for the state. I did not mention anything. I only mentioned that I didn’t receive any plot from the government in the past.”

He said he applied under section 13 (A).

Police were accused of ingratiating themselves with Awami League. They also received plots. Former additional inspector general of police Mokhlesur Rahman, former deputy inspector general Abdul Baten, Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s former joint commissioner Biplab Kumar Sarker and former police inspector Mohammad Moniruzzaman are among those who received plots.

Children of ministers, secretaries on the list

The AL government also provided plots to wives and children of a former president, ministers, AL leaders, secretaries and police officers in the “outstanding contributions” quota.

Former president Abdul Hamid’s son Rasel Ahmed, former state minister for home Shamsul Haque Tuku’s son Asif Shams, Dhaka city south Awami League’s president Abu Ahmed Mannafi’s son Abu Saleh Mahmud Mannafi, former local government secretary Abdul Maleque’s daughter Nabila Tabassum Miky, former local government secretary Abu Alam Mohammad Shahid Khan’s daughter Shyamaita Khan and former DMP commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia’s wife Afroza Jaman also received plots.

Former state minister for housing and public works Sharif Ahmed received a plot. His daughter Shefali Begum is a joint secretary at the planning ministry. She received a 5-katha plot. Both husband and wife received plots under section 13 (A).

Speaking about this, Shefali Begum claimed to Prothom Alo on 15 January that her husband received a plot after being an MP. He later returned the plot after being a state minister. However, the name of Sharif Ahmed is still in the list of recipients of plots.

Three sisters are also on the list of plot recipients. They are Kazi Nishat Rasul, Kazi Nahid Rasul and Kazi Tuhin Rasul. They all are officials of the administration cadre. They all received 5-katha each plot.

Kazi Nishat Rasul was assistant personal secretary (APS) of Sheikh Hasina. She was made an officer on special duty (OSD) on 29 November. Kazi Nahid Rasul was deputy commissioner (DC) of Munshiganj and Gaibandha. The interim government withdrew her. Kazi Tuhin Rasul was deputy secretary of the president’s office. They are daughters of Kazi Golam Rasul, who was the judge of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman murder case.

Asked about the plot, Kazi Tuhin Rasul told Prothom Alo, “I had been living abroad for a long time. I won’t be able to articulate you well. That’s why I don’t want to talk to you regarding this issue.”

Plots for party members

Many influential leaders of Awami League, its affiliates, associates and fraternity organisations received plots in the “remarkable contributions” category.

The list includes AL organising secretary Sujit Kumar Roy Nandi, former central organising secretary Misbah Uddin Siraj and AL’s Dhaka district unit general secretary Paniruzzaman alias Tarun.

Former mayor of Sylhet City Corporation Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury, Krishak League organising secretary Asaduzzaman Biplob, former president of Sramik League Shukkur Mahmud, Bangabandhu Lawyers Council founder Laikuzzaman Molla, BCL’s former general secretary Siddique Nazmul Alam, former Swechchhasebak League president Molla Mohammad Abu Kausar, among others, received the plots.

AL’s Dhaka city south unit joint general secretary Mohiuddin Ahmed alias Mohi received a plot of RAJUK in the same category. He sold 7,398 bhoris of gold of the depositors in 2020 when he was the chairman of the Bangladesh Samabaya Bank. The current market price of that gold is about 1 billion. The ACC filed a lawsuit against Mohiuddin Ahmed, who is now in hiding.

Individuals living abroad but were involved in Awami League also received plots. One of them was Gausul Alam Shajada, former president of Awami League’s Sydney unit in Australia, who got a 5-katha plot.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) executive director Iftekharuzzaman told Prothom Alo that a reserved quota was created to facilitate a special class.

He pointed out that those who were loyal and flattering to the government were allotted the plots. The nation was betrayed by allotting plots on the pretext of remarkable contributions.

The matter of plot allotment must not be limited to the family of the former prime minister and others concerned must also be held accountable, Iftekharuzzaman added.

At least 30 journalists

At least 30 journalists from newspapers, television and online news portals were allotted plots in the remarkable contributions quota.

Among them are Abu Zafar Surya, Rahul Raha, Nazmul Hasan, Shahriar Shahid, Nazim Uddin Shyamal, Saiful Islam Kallol, Faruk Hossain, Muslim Uddin Ahmed Pipul, Ratan Kanti Debashish, Deep Azad, Madhusudan Mondal, Bithi Zaman Chowdhury, Rafiqul Islam Sabuj, Arefin Faisal, Shamim Ahmed, Sharifuzzaman Pintu, Anisur Rahman, Ayub Bhuiyan, Rafiqul Islam Ratan, Ashok Chowdhury, BM Jahangir, Poppy Chowdhury and SM Gorky.

Many artistes also in the list

Film actor Arifin Shuvoo came to the limelight after signing a deal on the remuneration of Tk 1 for acting in the Bangabandhu biopic last year but the Awami League government rewarded him with a 10-katha plot in Purbachal.

Besides, at least 30 artistes and cultural activists received the RAJUK plot. Mir Sabbir Mahmud, Rana Hamid, Liton Haider, Russell Asheki, Begum Meena Barua, Sayla Sabrin, Meher Afroz Shawon and Mahfuz Ahmed are among them.

The RAJUK acquired land in Purbachal in 1995. The land owners were supposed to receive plots as compensation but many of them did not get it and they are still going to RAJUK to get it. One such land owner was Halima Khatun. This correspondent met her in Purbachal on 18 January.

She told Prothom Alo that the government took 1.07 acres of land owned by her family. She applied for plots but did not get it as she did not bribe officials. “The government took everything from me, and they gave plots to the rich, not me.”

Contributions were to be 'close to government’

The RAJUK allots plots under the Dhaka Improvement Trust (Allotment of lands) Rules, 1969. A new subsection (13/A) was added to the rules incorporating the provision for allotting plots for “remarkable contributions”. The subsection was amended again in 2009 stating that people of 12 professions/classes can apply for plots for “remarkable contributions”.

These professions/classes are ministers, state ministers, deputy ministers, MPs, judges, freedom fighters, journalists, government employees, employees of autonomous organisations, armed forces, businesspeople, industrialists, private service holders; artistes, literary and sports personalities; foreign exchange earners and others.

Supreme Court lawyer Shahdeen Malik told Prothom Alo every country has traditions to reward individuals for their extraordinary contributions. But most individuals receiving the RAJUK plots for remarkable contributions were apparently close to the government.

According to him, a file needs to be opened when an individual is allotted a plot for their remarkable contributions and their contributions are recorded in documents, followed by verifying through a committee.

Expressing doubts whether the process was followed or not, he expressed that even if it had happened it was just for formalities.

Shadeen Malik further stated people who were allotted plots must be served with notice and allowed self-defence; if their explanations are found to be irrational, plot allotment must be revoked.

* The report, originally published in the print and online editions of Prothom Alo, has been rewritten in English by Galib Ashraf and Hasanul Banna​

 

[Saif]

Dr Yunus meets top global leaders, seeks support to return stolen assets

Bangladesh Wednesday sought support from foreign friends to bring back hundreds of billions of stolen money as chief adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus spent a busy day at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland

en.prothomalo.com

Dr Yunus meets top global leaders, seeks support to return stolen assets
The Chief Adviser briefed the global leaders about the reform plans of Bangladesh’s interim government and the plan for the next general election
BSS
Published: 23 Jan 2025, 10: 09

Chief adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus met top global leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on 22 January, 2024BSS

Bangladesh Wednesday sought support from foreign friends to bring back hundreds of billions of stolen money as chief adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus spent a busy day at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The chief adviser met Wolfgang Schmidt, head of the federal chancellery and federal minister for special tasks, Federal Chancellery of Germany; King Philippe, King of Belgium; Paetongtarn Shinawatra, prime minister of Thailand; Ignazio Cassis, federal councilor, Federal Department for Foreign Affairs, Switzerland; Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairperson, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, United Arab Emirates; UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres; Co0ngo President Felix Tshisekedi, Former US special envoy on climate change, John Kerry, and former British prime minister Tony Blair, among others, on his second day at the WEF.

Chief adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder briefed reporters about the outcomes of the meetings.

Chief adviser Dr. Yunus urged the global leaders to send top experts, think tanks, journalists, and international organisations to Bangladesh to dig into how the plain and daylight robbery was committed in Bangladesh during Sheikh Hasina's corrupt 16-year-long rule.

Lutfey Siddiqi, special envoy to chief adviser; Lamiya Morshed, principal secretary on SDG affairs; and Tareq Ariful Islam, Bangladesh permanent representative in Geneva; were among others present at the meetings.

Lutfey Siddiqi briefed German minister Wolfgang Schmidt regarding the government’s efforts in recovering the stolen money and said the government had formed an Asset Recovery Committee and a Taskforce headed by the Bangladesh Bank governor in this regard.

He said the government had targeted the top 20 money launderers initially to recover their stolen money.

Highlighting the interim government’s efforts to build a corruption-free Bangladesh, Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus told the German minister, “When we talk about new Bangladesh, we also talk about clean Bangladesh.”

The Chief Adviser sought German support to this effect and also discussed potential fields of economic cooperation with the German minister.

The German minister said a new German business delegation will visit Bangladesh in April.

Dr. Yunus said Bangladesh intends to create an economic platform, also involving India, Nepal, and Bhutan, to explore the hydroelectric potential of Nepal.

“Nepal is really ready to sell, and Bangladesh is a good market. It can create a lot of jobs and lessen dependence on fossil fuels,” he said.

The chief adviser also discussed the issues of mutual interests, including economic cooperation and climate financing with Swiss Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis.

He requested Switzerland to support Bangladesh in its carbon retention efforts in the world’s largest mangrove forest, the Sundarbans.

He also urged Switzerland to invest in Bangladesh to cash in on the potentials of Bangladesh’s youth, with young people under 27 years making up half the country’s population.

The Chief Adviser briefed the global leaders about the reform plans of Bangladesh’s interim government and the plan for the next general election.

In his meeting with the German minister and Swiss councillor, he also discussed Bangladesh's energy security.

During his meeting with Belgium King Philippe and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, the chief adviser was informed how a microcredit programme launched by a group headed by a Belgian prince helped expand the size of tropical forest reserves in the African country.

Prince Emmanuel de Merode, whose group launched microcredit in Congolese conflict-prone areas, said the Congolese forest was now double the size of Britain after conflict microcredit created 21,000 jobs there—some 11 per cent of them are former combatants.

He said microcredit programmes have played a big role in bringing peace to parts of the region.

The chief adviser also discussed with Thailand prime minister Shinawatra the Rohingya crisis and areas of economic cooperation, including shipping.

“We want to resolve the Rohingya crisis quickly as more and more Rohingyas are coming to Bangladesh,” said the chief adviser.

Shinawatra, one of the youngest Prime Ministers in the world, expressed her interest in increasing youth engagement between the two countries following the July revolution in Bangladesh.

Dr. Yunus said the father of the Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, was a big fan of microcredit and social businesses.

The chief adviser briefed the Thai prime minister about the Three Zero ideas, which he said aimed at rescuing a self-destructive civilisation by reducing poverty, wealth concentration, unemployment, and carbon emissions.

Dr. Yunus told Shinawatra that currently there are about 5000 Three Zero clubs in 58 countries of the world.

The Thai Prime Minister said the BIMSTEC summit will be held in Bangkok in April this year.

Dr. Yunus said he looks forward to taking over as chairman of the BIMSTEC during the planned summit of the organisation.

The Chief Adviser also sought Thailand’s support for Bangladesh to become a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN and in turn become a full member of the body.

Yunus seeks EU cenbank’s support

Chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus has also sought the assistance of the European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde to recover billions of dollars stolen from Bangladesh during the Awami League regime.

The two dignitaries met in Davos on Wednesday on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual meeting.

Prof Yunus told Christine Lagarde, also a former chief of the IMF that some US$ 17 billion alone were taken out from the country's banking sector by oligarchs close to the dictatorship, and US$ 16 billion were siphoned off annually during the 15 years of ousted Hasina regime.

Chief adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus met the European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde in the Swiss city, Davos on Wednesday on the sidelines of the WEF annual meeting.

Chief adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus met the European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde in the Swiss city, Davos on Wednesday on the sidelines of the WEF annual meeting Chief Adviser's Facebook page.

"It was a massive highway robbery," Prof Yunus said, adding the oligarchs first took over banks and then took loans, which they never paid back.

Lagarde said she would support the Interim Government's move to recover the money, and she recommended that Bangladesh should also take help from the IMF to recover and send the money back home.

During the talks, they also discussed the July uprising and Bangladesh's reform initiatives.

Lagarde also voiced her support for Bangladeshi educational institutions.

Lamiya Morshed, the SDG coordinator of the Bangladesh government, and Tareq Ariful Islam, Bangladesh permanent envoy in Geneva, also joined the meeting.​

 

[Saif]

Global firms hired to recover $16b siphoned during Hasina’s regime

The Bangladesh Bank has hired global accountancy firms EY, Deloitte, and KPMG to conduct an “asset quality review” of banks alleged to have lost Tk 2 trillion ($16.4 billion) to influential businesspeople linked to the former Awami League government, according to the Financial Times (FT).

www.thedailystar.net

Global firms hired to recover $16b siphoned during Hasina’s regime

The Bangladesh Bank has hired global accountancy firms EY, Deloitte, and KPMG to conduct an "asset quality review" of banks alleged to have lost Tk 2 trillion ($16.4 billion) to influential businesspeople linked to the former Awami League government, according to the Financial Times (FT).

Governor Ahsan Mansur mentioned that the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit has formed 11 teams to trace and reclaim assets suspected of being acquired through embezzlement. These teams will also assist in prosecuting those responsible.

The review will focus on 10 major businesses and individuals, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her relatives, and conglomerate S Alam Group, led by Mohammed Saiful Alam.

The investigations will also cover six banks, five of which have shares linked to S Alam, the report says.

Mansur said that KPMG's Sri Lanka office is assisting with the review, while EY and Deloitte have yet to comment.

"We aim to determine asset performance, identify defaulters, and conduct forensic audits," he said.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has already filed cases against several individuals, including Alam's sons, for allegedly embezzling Tk 11.3 billion through loans.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of properties connected to the case.

Alam's lawyers, however, have denied the allegations, calling them "baseless" and threatening international arbitration if disputes remain unresolved, as per the FT report.

The Yunus administration is collaborating with global agencies, including the US Treasury and UK anti-corruption units, to recover funds.

"We are encouraged by the response from the international community," Mansur told FT. "Politicians are aware of it and hopefully they will be under public pressure at home to support this cause."​

 

[Saif]

Embezzling TK 918cr: ACC sues S Alam’s son, 51 others

The Anti-Corruption Commission has filed a case against 52 people, including Ahsanul Alam, former Islami Bank chairman and son of S Alam, for embezzling Tk 918 crore through abuse of power, fraud, and forgery.

www.thedailystar.net

Embezzling TK 918cr: ACC sues S Alam’s son, 51 others

Ahsanul Alam

The Anti-Corruption Commission has filed a case against 52 people, including Ahsanul Alam, former Islami Bank chairman and son of S Alam, for embezzling Tk 918 crore through abuse of power, fraud, and forgery.

ACC Director General (prevention) Md Akhtar Hossain yesterday said the defendants are accused of embezzling Tk 827.42 crore, which amounts to Tk 918.57 crore with interest from Islami Bank's Khatunganj Corporate Branch. They are also charged with concealing the source of funds and laundering money, according to the case statement.

The accused include Ahsanul Alam, former chairman and director of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC; Md Ariful Islam Chowdhury, managing director of Century Food Product Limited; Mohammad Hasanuzzaman, a member of the company; Mohammad Selim Uddin, former director and chairman of Islami Bank's Executive Committee; Syed Abu Asad, former nominee director; Dr Tanvir Ahmad, former member of the Executive Committee and vice chairman; Md Manzur Hasan, assistant vice president and branch manager of Islami Bank; Muhammad Sirajul Kabir, senior vice president and former branch manager, among others.

The ACC had previously filed two cases against Ahsanul for embezzlement from the same bank.

On December 19, the ACC filed a case accusing Ahsanul Alam of embezzling thousands of crores of taka from Islami Bank, and 56 others.

On January 9, the ACC filed another case involving the embezzlement of approximately Tk 994 crore from Islami Bank. Ahsanul Alam, along with 54 others, was accused in the case.​

 

[Saif]

Money stolen from banks with high-level support: Touhid

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain today alleged that money was stolen from banks during the previous ousted Awami League governments with encouragement from high-level leadership. “The theft of money from our banks was not accidental. It was enabled by support from the highest levels

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Money stolen from banks with high-level support: Touhid
BSS
Published :
Jan 29, 2025 22:47
Updated :
Jan 29, 2025 22:47

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain today alleged that money was stolen from banks during the previous ousted Awami League governments with encouragement from high-level leadership.

“The theft of money from our banks was not accidental. It was enabled by support from the highest levels of authority,” he said.

The foreign affairs adviser said this while inaugurating the first phase of implementation of the Integrated Online Authentication Management (Apostille Convention 1961) at the foreign ministry here.

Expressing concern over certain banks being deliberately weakened, he said, “Good banks are being burdened with bad loans intentionally. Such actions would not have been possible without backing from top authorities,” he said.

Hossain emphasized the need to prevent corruption across various processes, including in the newly introduced authentication system.

“This is a small step, but such measures can take us a long way. It is difficult to eliminate corruption entirely where opportunities exist. Therefore, we must remove such opportunities to curb corruption,” he said.

Referring to the issue of 60,000 Bangladeshi passports being held up in Italy, he attributed the problem to document credibility issues.

“A broker from Bangladesh obtained approval from an organization in Italy, but the organisation lacks the capacity to handle the process properly,” he explained.

Discussing Bangladesh’s image abroad, the adviser cited examples of Bangladeshi lawmakers being arrested in foreign countries.

“A nation’s image is not built in a day, nor does it collapse overnight. When Bangladeshis account for the highest number of deaths while crossing the Mediterranean, positive statements alone cannot protect our image,” he said.

However, he noted that positive actions help improve perceptions.

“When a Bangladeshi origin taxi driver returns lost money abroad, our image improves automatically. Conversely, when an MP is jailed in another country for corruption, maintaining our reputation becomes challenging,” he said.

The adviser also highlighted the manpower crisis in Bangladesh’s foreign missions.

Giving the example of Qatar, he said, “If a mission (in Qatar) has to distribute 300 passports daily, how can it provide any other service?”

He added that steps are being taken to increase manpower in missions and digitize services.

“We must modernize our system so that passport applicants no longer need to visit missions. Instead, passport services should reach them with the proper documentation,” he said.

Foreign Secretary Md. Jasim Uddin, Cabinet Division Secretary for Reform Affairs Mahmudul Hossain Khan, and ICT Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury also spoke at the event.​

 

[Saif]

Confiscate S Alam’s Tk 368cr properties

A Dhaka court yesterday ordered the confiscation of 58 acres of immovable properties worth Tk 368 crore belonging to S Alam Group Chairman Mohammed Saiful Alam and his family in connection with allegations of laundering $1 billion to Singapore and several other countries.

www.thedailystar.net

Confiscate S Alam’s Tk 368cr properties
Court orders authorities

A Dhaka court yesterday ordered the confiscation of 58 acres of immovable properties worth Tk 368 crore belonging to S Alam Group Chairman Mohammed Saiful Alam and his family in connection with allegations of laundering $1 billion to Singapore and several other countries.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is conducting an inquiry into corruption allegations against S Alam and his family members.

Judge Md Zakir Hossain of the Metropolitan Senior Special Judge's Court in Dhaka passed the order after the ACC Deputy Director Md Abu Sayeed, head of the inquiry team, submitted an application in this regard.

ACC Public Prosecutor Mir Ahmed Ali Salam moved the applications on behalf of the anti-graft body.

In the application, the ACC official said it's necessary to get a confiscation order for the 58 acres of land located in Dhaka, Narayanganj and Chattogram, so that the ownership cannot transferred.

On January 16, the same court ordered the freezing of over 321 million shares in 24 companies owned by S Alam and his family members. The value of these shares stands at Tk 350 crore.

On January 14, the same court also ordered the confiscation of immovable properties worth Tk 200 crore and the freezing of 87 bank accounts owned by S Alam, his wife Farzana Parveen and 16 of his family members.

Earlier on October 7 last year, the court issued a travel ban on S Alam, his wife Farzana Parveen and 11 members of his family.​

 

[Saif]

CA’s Press Secretary describes Hasina as 'butcher of Bangladesh'

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has described former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the “butcher of Bangladesh” and said the interim government’s job is to bring her back to Dhaka and try her for “crimes against humanity.” “One of the main r

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

CA’s Press Secretary describes Hasina as 'butcher of Bangladesh'
FE Online Desk
Published :
Feb 02, 2025 20:52
Updated :
Feb 02, 2025 20:52

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has described former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the “butcher of Bangladesh” and said the interim government’s job is to bring her back to Dhaka and try her for “crimes against humanity.”

“One of the main responsibilities of the interim government is to hold trials of the people who killed protesters during the mass uprising in July,” said Alam on Sunday, mentioning that there has been much hue and cry about his Facebook post from the Ekushey Boi Mela, UNB reports.

While sharing 12 points, the Press Secretary said the interim government is neutral only to its stakeholders - the students and the parties that played their part not only during the uprising but over the years to restore “stolen democracy.”

Naturally, Alam said, the interim government has a firm and unyielding position against the party that imposed “brutal dictatorship, committed grave crimes against humanity and plundered state resources” for 15 long years.

In a long post from his verified Facebook account, he said the interim government is also determined to hold the Bangladesh Awami League, its “enablers, apologists and its lackeys” to account for the massacres, the “thousands of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and the looting” of hundreds of billions of dollars. “Our mandate is to prosecute these crimes,” Alam stressed.

“When we talk — as the spokespeople of the chief adviser -- we generally give updates on the IG's progress and accomplishments. We also talk at length about the crimes of Sheikh Hasina,” said the Press Secretary.

Alam said the people who think he is talking too much about politics or the Awami League and its killings and grand larceny are the AL apologists – “We know what you did all these years. Sorry, I won't stop — until the very last day of my work.”

Alam said Sheikh Hasina is one of the world's most “brutal and corrupt dictators” and he will not hesitate to remind people about the “kind of killer she was”.

“It is a moral position. Besides, if we believe in democracy, we must be able to speak against Hasina for all we want — this is the individual liberty that we speak of in democracy, this is freedom of speech,” he mentioned.

Six months into the mass uprising, Alam said, the AL is still in “denial” and its apologists, leaders, pro-AL journalists, its foreign backers and its supporters are in denial. “They aim to create an alternative history - one in which they are the victims, police are not the aggressors.”​

 

[Saif]

Britain's FBI launches probe against ex-City minister Tulip Siddiq over corruption

Britain's FBI is probing ex-City minister Tulip Siddiq after travelling to Dhaka for a secret summit with investigators associated with the Anti-Corruption Commission, or ACC, the Daily Mail reports. Detectives from the National Crime Agency were told at last month's meeting that the ACC authoriti

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Britain's FBI launches probe against ex-City minister Tulip Siddiq over corruption
bdnews24.com
Published :
Feb 02, 2025 23:57
Updated :
Feb 02, 2025 23:57

Britain's FBI is probing ex-City minister Tulip Siddiq after travelling to Dhaka for a secret summit with investigators associated with the Anti-Corruption Commission, or ACC, the Daily Mail reports.

Detectives from the National Crime Agency were told at last month's meeting that the ACC authorities have amassed new evidence against the Labour MP as they investigate her over a controversial nuclear power plant deal.

The revelation raises the prospect of the British authorities looking into Tulip's bank accounts, email records, and even summoning her for an interview, the report published on Saturday said.

The former UK treasury minister and four family members–including her mother Sheikh Rehana–are being probed over claims that they embezzled £3.9 billion from the Rooppur nuclear power plant, which was built by the Russian state-owned company Rosatom with a 90 per cent loan from the Kremlin.

Tulip was pictured alongside Vladimir Putin at the signing of the deal in 2013.

Citing official sources in Bangladesh, the Daily Mail said the NCA team had offered to investigate Tulip in Britain to “bring about a prosecution” by the Bangladeshi authorities through an international agreement.

On Friday night, the sources said the NCA may also be trying to gather evidence to bring a prosecution against the Hampstead and Highgate MP in the UK, the report read.

British nationals who are found to have received money abroad as bribes can be prosecuted in the UK under the Bribery Act 2010, and jailed for up to ten years.

Bangladeshi officials, who spoke anonymously, said the NCA had requested the meeting, set up by the British High Commission in Dhaka, the Mail said.

It is the second visit the agency has made to Bangladesh since Tulip’s aunt, Sheikh Hasina, 77, was ousted as prime minister in August after weeks of violent protests.

During its first visit in October, the NCA had offered assistance to the interim government in its efforts to recover the stolen billions that were suspected of being siphoned off by Hasina's allies to countries like Britain, the report added.

However, the three-strong NCA delegation also asked specific questions about Tulip during the meeting.

Tulip resigned as UK minister last month, weeks after the Daily Mail exclusively revealed that she was being investigated over the power plant deal.

Days later, it emerged that Tulip received a two-bedroom flat in London's King's Cross area as a gift from a British property developer linked to her aunt.

The Mail on Sunday then revealed how she had lied to this newspaper in 2022 when it asked her if the flat was a gift.

Tulip denied the claims, saying her parents bought the flat for her, and threatened to sue, the Daily Mail said.

The ACC is conducting at least two other criminal investigations against Tulip and her family. She denies the allegations against her, according to the report.

Labour said: “Absolutely no evidence has been presented for these allegations. Tulip Siddiq has not been contacted on these matters and totally refutes the claims.”

A Labour source said no one from the NCA or the Bangladeshi authorities has contacted her yet, the report added.​

 

[Saif]

UK's National Crime Agency assisting Bangladesh in Tulip Siddiq corruption probe

Some UK officers travelled to Dhaka to assist local authorities investigating claims that Tulip, a former Treasury official, benefitted from a disputed nuclear power plant deal. She is accused of using her aunt Sheikh Hasina's influence who was the then prime minister of Bangladesh

www.thedailystar.net

UK's National Crime Agency assisting Bangladesh in Tulip Siddiq corruption probe
Says The Telegraph

Photo: Facebook/Tulip Siddiq

The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) is supporting investigators in Bangladesh as they probe corruption allegations against Tulip Siddiq, according to The Telegraph.

Some UK officers travelled to Dhaka to assist local authorities investigating claims that Tulip, a former Treasury official, benefitted from a disputed nuclear power plant deal. She is accused of using her aunt Sheikh Hasina's influence who was the then prime minister of Bangladesh.

Last month, Siddiq stepped down from her leadership role in the Labour Party after an ethics adviser found that she had accidentally provided false information about the scandal. Siddiq, whose role as Treasury minister included combatting corruption, had referred herself after questions arose regarding her use of properties in London linked to her aunt's political party.

The Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating Siddiq, Hasina, and other family members for alleged embezzlement of £3.9 billion connected to a Russian-funded nuclear power plant.

British police involvement in the probe emerged after the NCA visited in October last year to help the Bangladeshi government recover billions allegedly siphoned off by Hasina and her allies.

Officers have reportedly offered to assist in hopes of "bringing about a prosecution" in Bangladesh.

Sources told The Mail on Sunday that the meeting raises the possibility of evidence being gathered against Siddiq for a potential criminal case in the UK. During meetings, the NCA team asked questions about Siddiq specifically. Siddiq denies any wrongdoing.

The NCA, responsible for investigating international bribery and corruption linked to the UK, can look into individuals suspected of money laundering in the UK from political corruption abroad and allegations of bribery and corruption against UK nationals.

Sheikh Hasina, 77, is now in India after being ousted last August following violent protests. During her tenure, opponents faced attacks, arrests, and extrajudicial killings. She and her allies are accused of looting billions from the country.

Since her fall, Bangladesh's anti-money laundering agency has requested information on Siddiq's accounts and transactions in the country from major banks. An official notice has also requested the financial records of Siddiq and six family members, including her mother, sister, and brother.

A spokesman for Siddiq said, "Absolutely no evidence has been presented for these allegations. Tulip Siddiq has not been contacted on these matters and totally refutes the claims."

An NCA spokesman stated, "We do not routinely comment on the nature of international assistance, nor confirm or deny if the agency has opened an investigation or is supporting a partner's investigation."

A senior anti-corruption commission official told The Telegraph, "The investigation into Tulip Siddiq is still at a preliminary stage, but we are actively examining multiple angles. Our focus is on uncovering any links between her and the acquisition of properties through illicit means in Bangladesh, her associations with corrupt businessmen, and potential connections to money laundered out of Bangladesh."

Ahsan Mansur, governor of the central bank of Bangladesh, said, "We greatly appreciate the support of the British Government and international investigative agencies in our efforts to trace the billions of dollars laundered from Bangladesh to the UK and beyond."

"Recovering these funds is a top priority for us, and we are counting on global cooperation to bring this money back where it belongs. We have already begun reaching out to various governments and global agencies to tackle this issue head-on."

"The UK has been cooperating with us in this effort, and our next step is to identify the properties and bank accounts where the laundered money has been stashed across different countries, including the United Kingdom. We are committed to taking decisive action to reclaim these funds and hold those responsible to account."​