The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has launched a wide-ranging investigation into foreign assets allegedly linked to former Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, his relatives, and other high-profile individuals.
According to ACC Chairman Dr. Mohammad Abdul Momen, UK authorities have already frozen assets worth over Tk 1,025 crore connected to Chowdhury, including 343 properties and large sums held in bank accounts.
The case has now moved into the next phase, as the agency awaits formal court permission in the United Kingdom to initiate repatriation of the seized funds and properties.
Allegations Extend to Relatives and Business Figures
In a press statement on Monday (16th June), the ACC chief listed additional individuals under scrutiny. These include Chowdhury’s brother, Roni, and two sons of Bashundhara Group Chairman Akbar Sobhan — Saffian and Sadat.
Information has also been sent to relevant agencies about Imam Adnan, another person of interest in the ongoing probe.
The chairman noted, “We’ve shared property details on all of them. If we’re lucky and the legal process moves properly, there’s a chance we’ll recover the money.”
Tulip Siddiq Also Named in ACC Findings
British MP Tulip Siddiq, a former minister and relative of Bangladesh’s political elite, has also come under ACC scrutiny. The agency claims her fish farming business revealed suspicious transactions and discrepancies in tax filings.
“She says she doesn’t know anything,” said the ACC chairman. “But if that were true, why would her lawyer write to us? Why risk her ministerial post if there’s nothing to hide?”
Former High Commissioner Accused of Large-Scale Money Laundering
Bangladesh’s former High Commissioner to the UK, Saida Muna Tasneem, and her husband are now part of a separate probe into alleged embezzlement of around Tk 2,000 crore.
Dr. Abdul Momen said the couple, along with associates, set up 12 real and shell companies including Generation Next Fashions Ltd. They allegedly took large loans from banks such as UCB, Bank Asia, Eastern Bank, BRAC Bank, Trust Bank, and others.
The ACC believes those funds were laundered abroad through fraudulent activities, leaving a trail of unpaid debt and legal questions in their wake.
No Room for Settlements
The ACC chairman was clear that no compromise will be made in these cases.
“These are non-compoundable offenses. There’s no opportunity for negotiation or settlement,” he said firmly.
A Complex Legal Road Ahead
The investigations remain ongoing, and much depends on legal cooperation between Bangladeshi authorities and foreign institutions.
For now, the focus remains on building strong cases and tracing all related assets. Whether these funds eventually return to Bangladesh depends on how well the ACC navigates an international legal maze — and how quickly courts act.
