[🇧🇩] The fate of big guns/beneficiaries of Awami League after the student revolution

[Saif]

Court issues travel ban on Lotus Kamal and family

A Dhaka court on Tuesday imposed a travel ban on former finance minister AHM Mustafa Kamal, aka Lotus Kamal, his wife Kashmiri Kamal and daughters Kashfi Kamal and Nafisa Kamal in a graft case. Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Jakir Hossain Galib passed the order after hearing a petition

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Court issues travel ban on Lotus Kamal and family
UNB
Published :
Feb 18, 2025 23:44
Updated :
Feb 18, 2025 23:44

A Dhaka court on Tuesday imposed a travel ban on former finance minister AHM Mustafa Kamal, aka Lotus Kamal, his wife Kashmiri Kamal and daughters Kashfi Kamal and Nafisa Kamal in a graft case.

Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Jakir Hossain Galib passed the order after hearing a petition filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) seeking the travel ban.

The investigating officer of the case Md Nurul Huda, also an ACC official, submitted the appeal.

According to the petition, an investigation is underway in a case against the former minister Kamal, his wife and daughters regarding acquisition of wealth beyond known sources of income. It goes on to state the petitioners' concern that in light of the investigation, Kamal and his family may attempt to flee abroad - thus necessitating the travel ban.

The petitioners are right to be concerned, but they are many months too late. Not only has there been no sighting of the family in Bangladesh since August 5, shortly after the fall of the Awami League government, a video surfaced on social media of Kamal and daughter Nafisa.

It was clearly shot at an airport and showed the two of them scrambling to get hold of a number of bags and suitcases. Reportedly they left the country way before the movement even picked up, on July 15. So either way, this travel ban looks set to be as ineffective as the ones issued earlier against ex IGP Benzir Ahmed, or ex-secretary Matiur Rahman (who has since surrendered), and numerous others.

Earlier on February 13, the ACC filed a case against the former finance minister, his wife and two daughters on charges of amassing illegal wealth totalling Tk 1.67 billion.

In the case, the allegations of amassing Tk 275.2 million against Lotus Kamal himself, Tk 461.1 million against wife Kashmiri, Tk 315.8 million against Kashfi and Tk 620 million by daughter Nafisa were brought.​

 

[Saif]

ACC sues Atiur, Barkat, Benazir, 24 others

The Anti-Corruption Commission on Thursday filed a case against 23 people, including former Bangladesh Bank governor Atiur Rahman, former Janata Bank chairman Abul Barkat and AnonTex Group chairman Md Yunus Badal, on charges of embezzling Tk 297 crore...

www.newagebd.net

ACC sues Atiur, Barkat, Benazir, 24 others
s 20 February, 2025, 17:35

From left, Atiur Rahman, Abul Barkat and Benazir Ahmed | UNB Photo

The Anti-Corruption Commission on Thursday filed a case against 23 people, including former Bangladesh Bank governor Atiur Rahman, former Janata Bank chairman Abul Barkat and AnonTex Group chairman Md Yunus Badal, on charges of embezzling Tk 297 crore.

The anti-graft agency also filed a case against former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed and his family members on charges of money laundering amounting to Tk 11.34 crore, while it also filed a case against former member of parliament Gulam Faruk Khandaker over illegal wealth.

The graft cases were filed with the ACC’s integrated district office in Dhaka-1, said ACC director general Md Aktar Hossain.

ACC deputy director Md Nazmul Hossain filed the case against 23 people, including Atiur, on charges of embezzling Tk 297 crore.

The other accused are former Bangladesh Bank deputy governor Abu Hena Mohammad Razi Hasan and its former assistant director Ismat Ara Begum, former Janata Bank managing director Abdus Salam Azad, former directors Jamal Uddin Ahmed, Md Imdadul Haque, Nagibul Islam Dipu, RM Debnath, Md Abu Naser and Sangeeta Ahmed, director Nitai Chandra Nath, former deputy general manager Azmul Haque, former AGM Ajay Kumar Ghosh, former manager (industrial loan-1) of Janata Bhaban corporate branch Md Golam Azam, executive engineer (SME department) Md Shahjahan, SEO Md Emdadul Haque, former DGM Md Abdul Jabbar, former DMD Md Golam Faruk, and former deputy managing director Omar Faruk, M/S Suprabh Spinning Limited managing director Md Anwar Hossain, and director Md Abu Talha.

According to the case statement, Suprabh Spinning Ltd, Mohammad Anwar Hossain and Mohammad Abu Talha took Tk 297.38 crore in loan from Janata Bank through fraud and forgery, laundering the funds in collusion with the other 21 accused.

Despite no actual factory or structure existing on the mortgaged land, the duo overvalued the land and property at Tk 6,098.97 million, and with the assistance of other accused, obtained a loan amount of Tk 297.38 crore, which was subsequently embezzled.

Abdul Salam Azad, Azmul Hossain, Ajoy Kumar Ghosh, Gulam Azam, Shahjahan and Emdadul Haque in collusion with each other helped the accused Anwar Hossain and Abu Talha to forge records, bypass regulations and help facilitate the illegal loan approval process, said the case statement.

Accused Abdul Jabbar, Golam Faruk, and Omar Faruk, although stating that the proposed loan approval would violate BRPD Circular No 05/2005 and the MOU guidelines, presented a memorandum to the board for approval of the loan with the intention of obtaining Bangladesh Bank’s clearance, thereby helping Anwar and Talha to secure the loan, it said.

Yunus Badal has been charged with embezzling Tk 50.5 crore out of a sanctioned loan of Tk 180 crore in favour of Suprabh Spinning Ltd by receiving the money in the accounts under his Anontex Group.

Despite knowing about violation of rulers, the accused Abul Barkat, Jamal Uddin Ahmed, Emdadul Haque, Nagibul Islam, RM Debonath, Abu Naser, Sangita Ahmed and Nitai Chandra Nath aided and abetted in approving and distributing the loan.

Atiur Rahman, Ismat Ara Begum and Abu Hena Mohammad Raji Hassan assisted the loan applicant by abusing power and violating banking rules, despite the loan application being for a new and relatively unknown businessman.

The ACC on Thursday filed a case against former IGP Benazir Ahmed, his wife Jissan Mirza, his eldest daughter Farheen Rishta Binte Benazir and his second daughter Tahseen Raisa Binte Benazir on charges of laundering of Tk 11.34 crore.

According to the case statement, the accused withdrew Tk 11.35 crore in cash from banks through collusion and illicit means, but no evidence of any investment of these funds was found.

It is also alleged that after withdrawing the money, they left the country.

Benazir was the IGP from April 15, 2020, to September 30, 2022. Earlier, he had served as the Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner and the Rapid Action Battalion director general.

The ACC earlier filed several cases against Benazir and his family members on charges of amassing illegal wealth. Benazir left the country with his family on May 4, 2024.

The ACC also filed a case against former lawmaker from Pabna-5 constituency Golam Faruk Khandaker Prince on charges of amassing illegal wealth worth Tk 9.91 crore.

The case statement also said that Gulam Faruk was also accused of suspicious transactions of Tk 425 crore in his 39 bank accounts.​

 

[Saif]

Dealing with remnants of fascist regime

The people of Bangladesh have long held a vision of a developed, prosperous nation where peace reigns, discrimination is non-existent, and every citizen has access to justice, rule of law, economic opportunity, and...

www.newagebd.net

Dealing with remnants of fascist regime
by Md Farid Alam 23 February, 2025, 00:00

The people of Bangladesh have long held a vision of a developed, prosperous nation where peace reigns, discrimination is non-existent, and every citizen has access to justice, rule of law, economic opportunity, and social and health well-being. For years, this dream of a fair and just society seemed elusive, particularly when faced with deep-rooted political instability, corruption, and oppressive regimes. The revolution of July 2024, however, has reignited hope in the hearts of many Bangladeshis. It opened the door to a brighter future, one where the seemingly insurmountable task of removing a fascist regime — responsible for destroying the nation’s institutions and economy — was finally achieved. But while this event marked a victory for the people, it also uncovered the deep psychological scars inflicted upon the nation. These scars have the potential to undermine the very prosperity the people seek to build.

The revolution succeeded in ousting a fascist regime that had torn apart the country’s economy and the institutions meant to protect its people. These institutions, which should have been pillars of governance and stability, were left shattered. However, the damage inflicted by the regime did not stop at physical destruction. The most insidious and long-lasting damage was to the morality of the people. The regime manipulated public opinion, brainwashed the masses, and distorted the minds of a significant portion of the population. The followers of the regime, in particular, were subjected to a psychological campaign that stripped them of their rational thinking, turning them into individuals who could no longer differentiate between right and wrong. This has resulted in what we can now call ‘psychopathic hypocrites’ — individuals who, despite their society’s progress, continue to harbour destructive tendencies.

These individuals, living well within the general population and while many may appear to be ordinary citizens, harbour a dangerous potential to sabotage any effort toward progress. Their minds, moulded by years of dictatorship and propaganda, remain susceptible to reverting to their former behaviours. Given the opportunity, they are likely to act against the pursuit of prosperity, even at the cost of the nation’s well-being. Their actions, driven by a distorted sense of loyalty to the past regime and its values, threaten to hinder the nation’s journey toward a more equitable and prosperous future.

The rhetoric of the past regime’s leader, Hasina, who advocated for harsh measures against those opposing her regime, is still fresh in the memory of many. Hasina’s words were aimed at inciting fear and violence against dissenters. In contrast, the chief adviser of the interim government, a man of more temperate rhetoric, has expressed a more inclusive philosophy for the nation’s future. He has stated his commitment to integrating all citizens into the nation’s forward march, excluding only those who have committed criminal offences. Even those who have committed crimes may find a place in the new Bangladesh, but only after undergoing due trial and receiving appropriate punishment.

While the chief adviser’s approach of national integration is noble, it is not without its challenges. One of the most significant hurdles will come from the very individuals who were products of the fascist regime — those psychopathic hypocrites who, if left unchecked, could obstruct the nation’s progress. The task of integrating these individuals into mainstream society without allowing them to disrupt the country’s efforts toward prosperity is a delicate and complex one.

As the chief adviser pointed out, ‘We cannot throw them out of the country, nor can we cast them aside. They are our children; they are our people.’ This statement reflects a deep truth. Regardless of their past affiliations, these individuals are a part of Bangladesh’s social fabric. A nation cannot simply abandon its citizens because they have made mistakes in the past, no matter how grave those mistakes may have been. It is crucial to remember that a family may have a sick child or an individual with mental challenges, and society must take responsibility for providing care. Similarly, Bangladesh must take responsibility for rehabilitating its psychopathic hypocrites, helping them regain their moral compass and reintegrating them as productive, positive members of society.

However, this rehabilitation process must be well thought out and methodically planned. There is no simple solution, and the government must put in place a structured framework to guide these individuals back to a place where they can positively contribute to the nation’s growth. The first step in this process is to identify those who need help. The government must compile a comprehensive list of individuals who are likely to fall into the category of psychopathic hypocrites. This list should primarily include individuals who were ardent activists of the previous regime, but it may also encompass others who, though not directly involved in criminal activities, still harbour negative influences that could pose a threat to the country’s future progress.

Once identified, these individuals must go through a rehabilitation process that includes counselling, education, and motivation. This process would aim to normalise their mental and emotional states, preparing them to re-enter society as positive forces for change. The goal is not to punish or ostracise them but to guide them back to a place where they can make meaningful contributions to society’s well-being.

Although Bangladesh’s situation is unique, it is not unprecedented. Many other countries that have experienced similar political turmoil and oppression have dealt with the aftermath through truth and reconciliation commissions. These commissions provided a platform for nations to confront the atrocities of their past, offer amnesty to those who confessed to their crimes, and initiate processes of national healing and reconciliation.

For example, South Africa (1996–2002) established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to expose the brutalities of apartheid. The commission not only offered amnesty to perpetrators who fully disclosed their involvement in abuses but also recommended reparations for victims and institutional reforms to prevent such atrocities in the future. Similarly, Argentina (1983–1984) established the National Commission on the Disappearance of Persons to document forced disappearances during the military dictatorship and hold the perpetrators accountable. Chile (1991–1996) created the National Commission for Truth and Reconciliation to acknowledge human rights abuses, recommend reparations, and foster national reconciliation.

Other countries like Canada (2008–2015), Peru (2001–2003), Sierra Leone (2002–2004), Rwanda (1999–2003), East Timor (2002–2005), Guatemala (1997–1999), Liberia (2006–2009), and Bosnia and Herzegovina (2000–2004) also established similar commissions to address their respective historical injustices.

Bangladesh can take inspiration from these experiences. However, it must also tailor its approach to its unique context, taking into account the cultural, political, and technological landscape of the nation. Technological advancements, in particular, can help streamline the process of gathering information and facilitating the integration of individuals into society. A modern, tech-enabled system can ensure that this process is both efficient and accessible to all, regardless of their socio-economic background.

One approach that could be adopted is the creation of a simple, web-based registration form accessible via mobile phones. This form would allow individuals to register their details and provide answers to a series of questions that will help gauge their mental and emotional state. For example, questions might ask whether they were supporters of the former regime, whether they felt remorse for their past actions, or whether they believe the actions of the regime were harmful to the nation. Basic information, such as name, address, and other necessary details, could be collected directly from their national identification documents. Once submitted, each individual would receive an automated ID number that could be used for future reference.

This information could then be used to design customised rehabilitation programs for each individual, ensuring that the process is tailored to their unique psychological needs. A dedicated committee or commission could be formed to oversee the implementation of this plan, ensuring that it is carried out effectively and that individuals who register are not harassed or persecuted unless they have committed a criminal offence.

The path to a prosperous Bangladesh is undoubtedly a challenging one, and the psychological remnants of a fascist regime represent a significant hurdle. Yet, with thoughtful planning and the integration of modern technology, Bangladesh can overcome these challenges. By implementing a well-designed rehabilitation and integration program, similar to those seen in other nations, Bangladesh can transform its past wounds into a source of strength. The people of Bangladesh deserve a future where they can live in peace, free from the shackles of the past, and contribute to the nation’s prosperity. It is time to heal the wounds of the past and create a society where every citizen — regardless of their history — has the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s future.

Md Farid Alam is a retired lieutenant colonel.​

 

[Saif]

I’ve quit politics and Awami League, Kamal Majumder tells court

Former industries minister of the ousted Awami League government Kamal Ahmed Majumder has told the court that he won’t be doing politics anymore. He also has resigned from the party, he said.

en.prothomalo.com

I’ve quit politics and Awami League, Kamal Majumder tells court
Asaduzzaman
Dhaka
Published: 03 Mar 2025, 23: 00

Former lawmaker Kamal Ahmed Majumder was produced before the Dhaka CMM Court Monday Dipu Malakar

Former industries minister of the ousted Awami League government Kamal Ahmed Majumder has told the court that he will not be doing politics anymore.

He also has resigned from the party, he said.

The AL leader and a former state minister said this after being produced before the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court Monday morning.

Kamal Ahmed Majumder and five others were produced before the court in a case filed over the killing of Atiqul Islam.

The other five persons are former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s adviser Salman F Rahman, former food minister Quamrul Islam, former inspectors general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun and AKM Shahidul Haque.

The court granted the police appeal to show them arrested in this new case.

‘Won’t be doing politics any more’

The judge was yet to come when Kamal Ahmed Majumder was seen talking to his lawyer angrily at 10:02 am. He was seen scolding his lawyer for not appealing to the High Court for his bail.

Although the lawyer was trying to respond, Kamal Ahmed kept on talking to him without giving him any chance. The judge reached the court in between. Following that, Kamal Ahmed Majumder moved to the other side of the court. He kept staring at the judge.

Meanwhile, a police official called the names of Anisul Huq and Salman F Rahman. They both were were looking at the judge. At this point, Kamal Majumder raised his hands to say something. Right at that moment, a police official called the names of Kamal Majumder, Quamrul Islam, Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun and AKM Shahidul Haque. Kamal Majumder and others were looking at the judge at the time. However, the judge kept reading the case documents.

After a while the judge told Anisul Huq, Salman F Rahman, Kamal Majumder and others, “You have been shown arrested in a murder case. Your names were among the accused in the case statement.”

As soon as the judge finished, Kamal Majumder started to talk, addressing the judge. He said, “I am 76. I have diabetes. Still the jail authorities are not allowing me to carry my glucometre.”

Kamal started sobbing at this point. He regained composure and went on to say, “We cannot talk to our lawyers here either. We are not being allowed to speak to our lawyers.”

He started sobbing again and said, “My lord, I won’t be doing politics anymore. I also resigned from the Awami League. I am being made accused in cases one after another. I am being shown arrested in cases one after another. I am subjected to torture. I was supposed to be playing with my grandchildren at my age.”

Addressing the court, the former state minister further said, “Let me carry my glucometre. Let me have at least a digital version of holy Quran.”

‘We want the youth to take the lead’

Later the court asked him to appeal to the regular court in this regard. Following the hearing, Kamal Majumder and others were taken to the court premises from the court room.

Although Salman F Rahman and others remained silent, Kamal Majumder started talking as soon as he saw the newspersons. He told the newspersons, “I have resigned from the Awami League. I don’t hold any posts. I also have quitted politics.”

In response to the question as to when he took the decision, the former lawmaker said, “You can say I quitted politics today. I won’t be doing politics anymore.”

Explaining his decision to quit politics Kamal Majumder said, “The environment of the country is not suitable for doing politics. It’s not possible to be active politically at the age of 76. We want the youth to take the leadership.”

He was taken to the court lock up afterwards.

Kamal Ahmed Majumder served as a lawmaker from Dhaka-15 constituency for 15 consecutive years. He introduced a special judicial system going beyond the laws of the country.

He established a so-called Samajik Bichar Committee (social judicial committee) which was active from 2009 to 2014.

Salman handcuffed from behind

Anisul Huq, Salman F Rahman and Kamal Majumder were taken out of the court lock up at around 9:55 am today. All of them had a handcuff on one hand, except Salman F Rahman whose both hands were cuffed from behind. But they all kept their both hands behind. Two policemen helped Salman F Rahman move to the court room.

After the hearing the adviser of the former prime minister was taken back to custody in a similar way. He was looking downwards at the time.

However, none of Salman F Rahman or Anisul Huq refrained from saying anything. However, former IGP AKM Shahidul Huq spoke to his lawyer.

Speaking to Prothom Alo regarding handcuffing the accused from behind, Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court additional public prosecutor (PP) Azizul Haque Didar said he had no information whether Salman F Rahman and others were handcuffed or not at the time of being produced before the court.

Earlier on Wednesday, Salman F Rahman, Anisul Huq and former social welfare minister Nuruzzman Ahmed were handcuffed from behind while being taken to the court. They had both their arms handcuffed that day.

* This report appeared on the online version of Prothom Alo and has been rewritten in English by Ashish Basu​

 

[Saif]

ACC prosecutes ex-minister Dastagir, wife

The Anti-Corruption Commission on Wednesday filed two separate cases against former textile and jute minister Golam Dastagir Gazi, and his wife, Hasina Gazi, on charges of amassing wealth beyond known sources of income and engaging in suspicious financial transactions...

www.newagebd.net

ACC prosecutes ex-minister Dastagir, wife
Staff Correspondent 05 March, 2025, 23:30

The Anti-Corruption Commission on Wednesday filed two separate cases against former textile and jute minister Golam Dastagir Gazi, and his wife, Hasina Gazi, on charges of amassing wealth beyond known sources of income and engaging in suspicious financial transactions.

The Dhaka metropolitan senior special judge court on the day ordered the freezing of 39 bank accounts with Tk 5.26 crore of former land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury over graft allegations.

The ACC filed the two cases against Dastagir and Hasina Gazi with its integrated district office in Dhaka-1, said ACC director general Md Aktar Hossain at a press briefing.

According to the case statement, Dastagir, also a former Awami League lawmaker from the Narayanganj-1 constituency, allegedly amassed illegal assets worth Tk 23.51 crore and conducted suspicious transactions involving Tk 257.75 crore in his six bank accounts.

An inquiry revealed that Gazi’s total assets amounted to Tk 448.42 crore, whereas his legitimate income sources could only account for Tk 424.90 crore, said the case statement.

Another case was filed against Hasina Gazi on charges of amassing illegal assets worth Tk 9.69 crore and engaging in suspicious transactions of Tk 31.69 crore in her five bank accounts.

After the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5, 2024, amid a student-led mass uprising, the ACC launched an inquiry against Dastagir.

Dastagir was arrested on August 25, 2024 from a relative’s house in the Shantinagar area of the capital Dhaka. He was later shown as arrested in a case filed over the murder of school student Roman Mia at Rupganj.

Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Zakir Hossain Galib ordered the freezing of 39 bank accounts with Tk 5.26 crore of Saifuzzaman.

The court issued the order following a petition submitted by ACC deputy director Md Mahfuz Iqbal seeking the order.

The ACC in its plea stated that the commission had already formed a team to probe money laundering allegations against Saifuzzaman.

On October 7, 2024, a court imposed a travel ban on Saifuzzaman and his wife, Rukmila Zaman.​

 

[Saif]

TK 25,000CR DUBIOUS TRANSACTION: UP chair, wife sued

The Anti-Corruption Commission has found suspicious transactions involving Tk 25,160 crore through bank accounts of Brahammandi union parishad chairman Md Luck Mia, his wife and one of his staff at Araihazar in Narayanganj.

www.newagebd.net

TK 25,000CR DUBIOUS TRANSACTION: UP chair, wife sued
Staff Correspondent 06 March, 2025, 23:10

Md Luck Mia

The Anti-Corruption Commission has found suspicious transactions involving Tk 25,160 crore through bank accounts of Brahammandi union parishad chairman Md Luck Mia, his wife and one of his staff at Araihazar in Narayanganj.

Luck Mia was known as a close aide of former Awami League lawmaker from the Narayanganj-2 constituency Nazrul Islam Babu, according to locals.

Luck Mia is involved with the AL politics, and he is an executive committee member of the Araihazar upazila Awami League.

The anti-graft agency in an inquiry found that there were transactions worth Tk 14,376 crore in 49 bank accounts of Luck Mia and transactions worth Tk 461 crore in 14 bank accounts of his wife Mahmuda Begum.

The ACC also found transactions worth Tk 10,322 crore in 14 bank accounts of Luck Mia’s staff Md Mohsin Mollah.

Mohsin was appointed by Luck Mia with monthly salary of Tk 12,000.

Despite being a staff of UP chairman Luck Mia, Mohsin is managing director of two entities — NRB Textile Mills Limited and M/S NRB Traders Limited.

The ACC on Thursday filed two separate cases against Luck Mia and his wife Mahmuda on charges of amassing illegal wealth.

The commission also decided to conduct another inquiry against Luck Mia’s staff Mohsin and his family members.

ACC director general (prevention) Md Akhtar Hossain at a press briefing said that the commission filed the two cases with its integrated district office in Dhaka-1, accusing Luck Mia and his wife of amassing illegal wealth.

Of the two cases, ACC deputy director Sohanur Rahman filed a case against Luck Mia on charges of amassing illegal assets worth Tk 55.23 crore and suspicious transactions of Tk 14,376 crore.

The case statement said Luck Mia acquired these illegal assets between 1990 and 2024.

ACC assistant director Ashiqur Rahman filed a case against Mahmuda, accusing her of acquiring Tk 14.50 crore beyond known source of income and suspicious transactions of Tk 461.17 crore.

According to ACC officials, the transactions of over Tk 25,000 crore in the bank accounts of the three people took place between the 2014-15 financial year and the 2023-24 financial year.

Luck Mia, his wife and his staff conducted the transactions through their 77 bank accounts in the Premier Bank, Janata Bank and National Bank.

After the fall of the AL government on August 5, 2024 in a mass uprising, Luck Mia went into hiding, but later, he was arrested by the joint forces during the Operation Devil Hunt on February 25 from near Kanchan bridge at Rupganj.

Luck Mia is an accused in a number of cases filed on charges of murder during the student-led mass uprising in July-August in 2024.

ACC officials said that Luck Mia was involved in various types of corruption, including bribery, extortion and abuse of power in the Araihazar area.

During the inquiry, the ACC summoned him four times to appear at the ACC, but he ignored three summons and appeared at the ACC headquarters to face interrogation on the fourth summon, said ACC officials.

The ACC inquiry team also found a cotton mill owned by Luck Mia in Narayanganj, but when ACC officials went to visit the mill recently, they failed to do so due to obstruction by people of the mill.

ACC officials said that Luck Mia bought about 600 bighas of land and 265 bighas of land have already been seized by the ACC.​

 

[Saif]

AL leaders with hands cuffed behind backs as they want to raise hands, shout against govt: PP

Around 9:39am on Wednesday morning, two police men opened the main gate of the custody of Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) court. Five police members were standing in front of the custody, all with sticks in hand. Behind them were Salman F Rahman, private industry affairs adviser to ousted...

en.prothomalo.com

AL leaders with hands cuffed behind backs as they want to raise hands, shout against govt: PP
Asaduzzaman
Dhaka
Published: 12 Mar 2025, 22: 40

Salman F Rahman and Zunaid Ahmed Palak are being brought to court on 12 March Prothom Alo

Around 9:39am on Wednesday morning, two police men opened the main gate of the custody of Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) court.

Five police members were standing in front of the custody, all with sticks in hand. Behind them were Salman F Rahman, private industry affairs adviser to ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, and Zunaid Ahmed Palak, former state minister for information and technology ministry.

Salman had his hands cuffed behind his back, so were Palak's.

Standing behind Palak with their heads bowed are former MP Sulaiman Selim and former mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation Atiqul Islam. Sulaiman and Atiq had their hands cuffed behind their backs.

Standing behind Sulaiman with their heads bowed is former senior secretary Mohibul Haque. He had his hands cuffed behind his back.

Standing to the left of Mohibul Haque was former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal’s son, Safi Mudassir Khan Jyoti. He had his hands cuffed behind his back.

Salman, Palak, Atiqul, and Mohibul wore police helmets. The front of the helmet was covered with glass. And each of them was on bulletproof jackets.

With their heads bowed, Salman, Palak, Atiqul, and Mohibul climbed the stairs from the ground floor of the court building to the second floor.

After they were taken in front of the courtroom, their helmets were removed. When they were taken to the dock, police removed the handcuffs from one hand. Salman, Palak, Atiqul, Sulaiman and Mohibul were all standing on the dock with heads bowed down.

At 9:40am, with the judge yet to arrive, Palak was seen having a conversation with one of his lawyers. He told the lawyer, “I don’t expect to get bail now. But you will collect copies of the case statement and charge sheet of every case filed against me.”

Then Palak kept giving his lawyer one advice after another. Atiqul Islam, who was standing to Palak's left, was also talking to his lawyer.

Salman F Rahman kept talking to his lawyer about various matters, including case-related matters, since he went to the dock. One of the officers said, "Sir (judge) is coming."

After the judge arrived in the courtroom, the police called Salman F Rahman and Atiqul by name.

Police told the court that an application had been filed to show Salman and Atiqul arrested in a case filed by Bhatara police station. The court granted their application to show them arrested in this case.

Palak with a fixed gaze

With handcuffs on one hand, Palak, wearing a blue T-shirt and black pants, stared at the judge.

Then the police told the court that an application had been filed to remand Palak for seven days in the Riaz murder case filed at Dhanmondi police station.

Omar Faruk Faruqi, the chief public prosecutor (PP) of the Metropolitan Sessions Judge's Court in Dhaka, began to present arguments in favour of the remand.

Omar Faruq Faruqi told the court that Palak, an illegitimate state minister in the fascist Hasina government, had shut down the internet during the student-people's mass uprising against discrimination in July. In July, the Chhatra League had beaten up female students and others in the Dhaka University area. Riaz was shot dead in Dhanmondi area during the movement. Palak was one of the conspirators in shooting and killing the protesters during the student-people's mass uprising against discrimination.

Palak's lawyer opposed this stance by the state. His lawyer told the court that Palak had been remanded for 12 consecutive days recently. He was taken on remand before. He is not involved in any murder.

The court granted Palak a three-day remand after hearing. During the hearing, Palak stared at the judge.

Sulaiman and Safi converse

Former home minister’s son Safi stood silently in the dock initially. However, he talked with Sulaiman several times during the hearing of other accused.

PP Omar Faruq told the court that Safi was involved with various crimes including extortion and taking bribes in police recruitment. He had formed a criminal gang when his father was the home minister.

Safi’s lawyer protested against the state’s allegation and said he has been accused in slew of cases just because of his father.

The court granted a three-day remand for Safi.

Atiqul and Mohibul with their heads bowed

Former secretary Mohibul and former DNCC mayor Atiqul, standing silently on the dock, talked with their lawyers for a while.

Mohibul was arrested in a case filed with Tejgaon police station. Atiqul and Salman were arrested in another case with Bhatara police station.

After the fall of Sheikh Hasina government in a student-led mass uprising on 5 August, a total of 27 ministers of the government including former law minister Anisul Huq were arrested. Six state ministers and three deputy ministers and three advisers of Sheikh Hasina were also arrested. The arrested Awami League leaders include 43 former members of parliament and 11 former bureaucrats.

After 5 August, Anisul, Salman, former ministers, state ministers, advisers, secretaries and mayors were brought to the court with one hand in handcuffs. However, for the past two weeks, several others, including Anisul and Salman, have been brought to court from jail with both hands behind their backs.

Regarding Salman and Palak being brought to court with both hands behind their backs, PP Omar Faruq Faruqi told the court, "Recently, it has come to my attention that several accused, including Salman and Anisul, are being brought to court with both hands behind their backs. Basically, several accused want to raise their hands and shout anti-government remarks while being brought to the court from jail. They have hands cuffed behind their backs so that they cannot raise their hands and make such statements.”​

 

[Saif]

Ambassador goes to Canada ignoring order to return Dhaka

The government ordered Bangladesh ambassador in Morocco Harun Al-Rashid to return to Dhaka “immediately” on 11 December last year and join the foreign ministry. But he went to Canada ignoring the order of the interim government. From there he has posted a status on his Facebook wall criticising...

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Anti-govt statement

Ambassador goes to Canada ignoring order to return Dhaka

The interim government has finally decided to take actions against the ambassador who claimed himself a “persecuted Bangladeshi diplomat”, who went to another country ignoring the official order of the government.

Diplomatic Correspondent
Dhaka
Updated: 14 Mar 2025, 22: 54

The government ordered Bangladesh ambassador in Morocco Harun Al-Rashid to return to Dhaka “immediately” on 11 December last year and join the foreign ministry. But he went to Canada ignoring the order of the interim government.

From there he has posted a status on his Facebook wall criticising the interim government on Friday.

Harun Al-Rashid has written, “A Plea for Bangladesh—and for Myself. Subject: Bangladesh’s Descent into Anarchy under Yunus - The World’s Silence Is Painful”.

This professional ambassador has written, “On August 5, 2024, the nation experienced one of its darkest hours—a meticulously coordinated terrorist onslaught that shattered its foundations by overthrowing the legitimate government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. As the country burned and order collapsed, Muhammad Yunus emerged as the usurper.”

The interim government has finally decided to take actions against the ambassador who claimed himself a “persecuted Bangladeshi diplomat”, who went to another country ignoring the official order of the government.

In a notification, the foreign ministry on Friday evening spoke about taking necessary actions to cancel the passports of the ambassador and his family. The ministry has also said about taking departmental actions against him.

Several former ambassadors termed Harun Al-Rashid’s decision to ignore the government order and go to another country as unforeseen.

Several former ambassadors also said the foreign ministry did not do anything for the last three months after asking him to return to the country.

They also asked whether the ministry investigated where he was in the last two and a half months leaving Morocco; and whether he took leave to go to Canada.

According to them, the foreign ministry could not avoid its responsibilities in this regard.

The former ambassadors said the action of the foreign ministry was too late.

The foreign ministry notification said immediate past Bangladesh ambassador in Morocco Harun Al-Rashid posted a status on his Facebook wall, where he praised the previous fascist government, and tried to portray that the post-5 August situation in Bangladesh under the interim government has been gradually becoming chaotic.

He also tried to damage the overall image of the country including several attempts by the interim government and chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, it added.

The foreign ministry further said such a writing on Facebook portraying the current situation in Bangladesh under the leadership of the chief adviser in a completely deformed way is completely unacceptable and deeply concerning. Such a writing hints at the ulterior motive of the writer.

The former ambassador went to Canada and identified himself in his Facebook as a “persecuted diplomat”, “exiled novelist” and “secular”, which are nothing but attempts to draw sympathy from abroad.

The foreign ministry has already taken necessary actions to cancel the passports of his and his family members. The ministry also will take departmental actions for such an action of Harun Al-Rashid.

The foreign ministry has further said it would never entertain such actions of the ministry’s officials and employees in the future and will take stern actions against them for any such acts.​

 

[Saif]

Freeze 137 bank accounts of ex-Jashore MP Ranjit, family: court orders ACC

A Dhaka court today ordered the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to freeze 137 bank accounts of former Awami League lawmaker Ranjit Kumar Roy, his wife Neoti Rani Roy, and four of his family members over graft allegations

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Freeze 137 bank accounts of ex-Jashore MP Ranjit, family: court orders ACC

Star Online Graphic

A Dhaka court today ordered the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to freeze 137 bank accounts of former Awami League lawmaker Ranjit Kumar Roy, his wife Neoti Rani Roy, and four of his family members over graft allegations.

The court also ordered the confiscation of 2433 decimals of immoveable properties, five flats and 60 shops owned by Ranjit and his family members.

The other four family members are his sons Rajib Kumar Roy and Sajib Kumar Roy, Rajib's wife Rishita Saha and Sajib's wife Anindita.

Judge Md Zakir Hossain of Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge's Court passed the order after ACC Assistant Director Md Sajid-ur-Roman, who is leading the inquiry team, submitted an application in this regard.

Ranjit, a former lawmaker from the Jashore-4 constituency, and his family members deposited Tk 2,78,59,360 in these accounts, said ACC's Public Relations Officer Akhtarul Islam.

Of the immoveable properties, Ranjit's wife owns two flats in the capital's Mirpur area while her two buildings are situated in Jashore.

Rajib owns two flats at Jashore, while Sajib owns a flat and 60 shops at Jashore.

Earlier on October 27 last year, the same court issued a travel ban on Ranjit, his wife, and four others after ACC Deputy Director Sirajul Haque submitted an application in this regard.​

 

[Saif]

Seizure of assets of ex-minister Chumki ordered

The Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Court on Sunday ordered the Anti-Corruption Commission to freeze five bank accounts of former state minister for women and children affairs Meher Afroz Chumki and confiscate a flat owned by her in the capital Dhaka in connection with a graft case...

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Seizure of assets of ex-minister Chumki ordered
Staff Correspondent 23 March, 2025, 23:41

Meher Afroz Chumki

The Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Court on Sunday ordered the Anti-Corruption Commission to freeze five bank accounts of former state minister for women and children affairs Meher Afroz Chumki and confiscate a flat owned by her in the capital Dhaka in connection with a graft case.

The court also ordered the anti-graft agency to confiscate immoveable properties and freeze moveable properties of Molla Nazrul Islam, former deputy inspector general of police, and it also issued travel ban on former lawmaker Saifuzzaman Shikhor and his wife over corruption allegations.

Judge Md Zakir Hossain passed the orders following separate petitions filed by the ACC, said ACC deputy director for public relations Aktarul Islam.

Measuring 3,115 square feet, Meher Afroz’s flat is located at Banani in the capital and valued at Tk 30.51 lakh. There is Tk 2.32 crore in deposits in her five bank accounts.

In the petition, the ACC said that there was a possibility that these assets could be transferred and so it was necessary to seize her assets and freeze her bank accounts.

On January 21, the ACC filed two separate cases against Meher Afroz, also a member of parliament from the Gazipur-5 constituency, on charges of amassing illegal wealth worth Tk 5.27 crore beyond her known sources of income.

Besides, the court issued a travel ban on former MP from the Magura-1 constituency Saifuzzaman Shikhor and his wife Sima Rahman over graft allegations.

The ACC in its plea said that a case was filed against Shikhor and Sima on charges of amassing illegal wealth.

It is imperative to issue an order prohibiting the two accused from traveling abroad until the probe into the case is completed for the sake of a fair investigation, the commission said in its petition.

On January 7, a case was filed against Shikhor on charges of amassing illegal wealth worth Tk 1.79 crore and suspicious transactions worth Tk 10.98 crore in his banks accounts.

A case was filed against Sima on charges of amassing illegal wealth worth Tk 1.16 crore.

Meanwhile, the court ordered the ACC to confiscate immoveable properties and freeze moveable properties of Molla Nazrul Islam, former deputy inspector general of police.

Molla Nazrul owns 10.18 kathas of land in the capital’s Aftab Nagar and two flats at Rampura. He also owns shares worth Tk 55,47,306.

The court also issued a travel ban on Molla Nazrul after a petition was filed in this regard.

On February 26, the ACC filed a case against Molla Nazrul on charges of amassing illegal wealth of Tk 1,64,30,540.

He was arrested in Rajshahi on February 8 and now in jail in connection with other cases.

The same court also issued a travel ban on Subhash Chandra Saha, former superintendent of police of Faridpur, in a case filed over amassing wealth of Tk 57,91,997 beyond known sources of income.

On December 4, 2024, the ACC filed the case against Subhash.​