The government’s pursuit of justice and accountability has taken a significant step forward as it seeks asset attachments from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United States (US), and the United Kingdom (UK) in connection with former land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury’s alleged ill-gotten gains. This move comes in response to investigations into multiple cases of corruption and tax evasion involving Chowdhury and entities linked to him.
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam revealed that three Mutual Legal Assistance Requests (MLARs) were sent through the Foreign Ministry, targeting 228 assets in the UAE, seven assets in the US, and a staggering 343 assets in the UK linked to Chowdhury. The documents obtained by BSS indicate ongoing investigations into various cases against Chowdhury, along with individuals and companies associated with him. Additionally, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) is probing 11 cases related to tax evasion.
The government has already made significant progress in seizing assets tied to Chowdhury, with four assets worth Taka 20 crore already under court attachment. Applications have been filed seeking attachments of two flats and approximately 31,594 decimal of land. Furthermore, court orders have frozen shares valued at Taka 102.85 crore belonging to Chowdhury, as well as Taka 5.27 crore held in his 39 bank accounts.
In a significant development, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) shared intelligence reports with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) resulting in the freezing of Taka 15 crore across 125 bank accounts. These measures are part of a broader effort to combat corruption and financial crimes, as highlighted by Al Jazeera’s Investigative Unit (I-Unit) exposing Chowdhury’s lavish spending on luxury real estate in London, Dubai, and New York.
Despite stringent currency laws limiting the amount citizens can take out of Bangladesh annually, Chowdhury managed to amass a substantial property portfolio overseas. This revelation underscores the challenges faced in combating financial crimes and underscores the need for international cooperation in asset recovery efforts.
Moving forward, the government is ramping up efforts to recover substantial amounts of funds laundered abroad during previous administrations. With a focus on 11 priority cases involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her family, and associated entities, authorities are working to identify and seize illicit assets both domestically and internationally. This multifaceted strategy includes issuing MLARs and Letters Rogatory (LR) to foreign authorities, presenting evidence in court, expediting legal proceedings, and repatriating recovered funds.
To support these endeavors, the government is collaborating with international partners such as the World Bank’s Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (STAR), the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Center (IACCC), the US Department of Justice (DOJ), and the International Centre for Asset Recovery (ICAR). In cases where Taka 200 crore or more has been siphoned off abroad, the government plans to engage experienced international law firms and litigation funds to ensure effective legal action.
As the government intensifies its efforts to combat corruption and recover stolen assets, the pursuit of justice remains a top priority. By leveraging international partnerships and adopting a comprehensive approach to asset recovery, authorities are sending a strong message that financial crimes will not go unpunished. Through concerted action and collaboration, the government is working towards a more transparent and accountable governance system that upholds the rule of law and safeguards public resources.